Hong Kong Frees Four Imprisoned Opposition Leaders

Among the 45 pro-democracy activists sentenced for subversion, they were the first to be released from prison. The Chinese government implemented a national security law in 2020 following extensive pro-democracy demonstrations.

The four ex-opposition legislators, who were imprisoned as part of Hong Kong’s significant national security trial last year, were freed on Tuesday following the completion of their jail terms.

They were the foremost. 45 convicted who had been freed from prison.

The four people were moved from jail in vans whose windows were covered.

In November, the four opposition members admitted guilt and received identical sentences of four years and two months in prison each.

What was the reason for arresting the members of the opposing party?

Last year, officials in Hong Kong detained 47 people on accusations of subversion under the law. national security law imposed by Beijing.

The group comprised several prominent democracy supporters, chosen legislators, district representatives, labor activists, and scholars.

In the course of the trial, two individuals were acquitted. The remaining 45 were not. received sentences ranging from four to 10 years.

The four opposition members who were freed on Tuesday had been detained since March 2021 and were handed down one of the mildest punishments among those found guilty.

What does Hong Kong's national security legislation entail?

The arrests occurred following Beijing’s implementation of a national security law in 2020 as a reaction to large pro-democracy protests in the financial hub.

According to that legislation, Hong Kong democrats faced allegations of plotting to undermine state authority via a complex strategy. This involved orchestrating a primary vote in 2020 with the aim of gaining control over the legislature and withholding approval for the government’s financial proposals.

These sentences have been denounced by Western governments and human rights organizations. The United States described the punishments as "unjust," and the UN Human Rights Office likewise voiced deep concerns.

Both Hong Kong and Beijing maintain that all individuals are subject to the same national security laws and argue that the democrats were afforded a fair trial.

In April, Hong Kong authorities arrested 322 individuals for offenses related to national security and secured convictions against 163 of those suspects under the provisions of the national security legislation.

Edited by: Saim Dušan Inayatullah

Author: Ramisha Ali (with Reuters and AFP contributions)