In a significant ruling, the Court of Appeal in Hong Kong has upheld the convictions of 12 opposition activists in the city’s largest national security trial to date. The activists were seeking to overturn their convictions or have their sentences reduced following their involvement in the “Hong Kong 47” case, where they were charged with conspiracy to subvert state power.
The appellate court also decided to uphold the acquittal of barrister Lawrence Lau Wai-chung, one of the 47 defendants prosecuted in the high-profile case. The court’s decision reaffirmed the earlier ruling that an unofficial 2020 primary election was subversive and that the seven-year starting point for jail terms was justified.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions among the public, with some expressing concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and freedom of expression in Hong Kong. Pro-democracy activists and human rights organizations have criticized the decision, calling it a blow to democracy and political dissent in the city.
On the other hand, supporters of the government’s crackdown on dissent have welcomed the court’s decision, viewing it as a necessary step to maintain stability and national security in Hong Kong. They argue that the convictions were justified given the activists’ alleged involvement in activities deemed subversive by the authorities.
The ruling comes amid ongoing tensions in Hong Kong over the implementation of the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The law has been criticized by international human rights groups for its broad and vague provisions that have been used to suppress dissent and silence political opposition in the city.
As Hong Kong continues to grapple with political unrest and challenges to its autonomy, the court’s decision is likely to have far-reaching implications for the future of civil liberties and democracy in the city.
#HongKong #NationalSecurityLaw #CivilLiberties #NexSouk #AIForGood #EthicalAI
References:
1. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344284/hong-kong-court-rule-appeals-activists-largest-national-security-trial?utm_source=rss_feed
2. https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/update-1-hong-kong-appeals-court-upholds-jailing-of-12-activists-in-hong-kong-47-subversion-case-1867789.html
3. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344367/hong-kong-court-dismisses-appeal-12-activists-over-landmark-subversion-case?utm_source=rss_feed
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