45 Pro-Democracy Leaders Sentenced to Jail in Hong Kong’s largest National Security Trial

All were convicted of conspiring to commit subversion under the Beijing-imposed national security law.

Los Angeles, California, USA (November 18, 2024) - On Tuesday, a Hong Kong court handed down prison sentences for 45 opposition politicians and pro-democracy leaders. They were among 47 who were charged with their roles in an unofficial primary election held in July 2020. Two of the defendants were acquitted in May.

In response, The Campaign for Hong Kong issues the following statement from Samuel Chu, President:

“The world should be outraged that 45 Hong Kong opposition politicians, academics, union leaders, and activists were given a combined 245 years and 6 months in prison for simply trying to run and win in an election.

Self-determination is an unalienable human right - and no prison terms or metal bars can extinguish or contain this innate desire for freedom. The trial might have ended, but the resistance will persist. The pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong has and must continue to evolve underground and overseas, and the 45, along with thousands of others behind bars, will light the way.

But today, my heart is with the families and loved ones of those who will not return home. I implore every freedom-loving person worldwide to take action - send letters, advocate through your governments, say their names and share their stories, and pressure businesses to demand their immediate release. Let them know they are not and will never be forgotten.”

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