- Amid tight security, the trial of 16 Hong Kong democracy activists charged under a national security law imposed by Beijing began this week
- The defendants are among the 47 arrested in January 2021 and charged with conspiracy to commit subversion, but pleaded not guilty
- Among the 16 on trial are former journalist Gwyneth Ho, activist Owen Chow and labour unionist Winnie Yu
HONG KONG: Amid tight security, the trial of 16 Hong Kong democracy activists charged under a national security law imposed by Beijing began this week.
The defendants are among the 47 arrested in January 2021 and charged with conspiracy to commit subversion, but pleaded not guilty.
Defendant and former lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung told the court, “There is no crime to answer. It is not a crime to act against a totalitarian regime.”
The hearing was a “solemn occasion,” said Judge Andrew Chan.
Among the 16 on trial are former journalist Gwyneth Ho, activist Owen Chow and labour unionist Winnie Yu.
Prosecutor Jonathan Man told the court that the trial is expected to last 90 days, with four of those arrested set to testify against the 16.
The defendants face sentences of up to life in jail if convicted.
Those who pleaded guilty, including former law professor Benny Tai and young activist Joshua Wong, will be sentenced after the trial.
Beijing imposed a national security law on the former British colony in 2020 after months of pro-democracy protests.
Western governments have criticized the law as a tool to crush dissent, as it punishes subversion, collusion with foreign forces and terrorism with sentences of up to life in prison.
In response, Chinese and Hong Kong authorities claimed the law has stabilized the Asian financial hub.
Since the law was imposed, more than 230 people have been arrested, including newspaper editors, and labour unions and civil society groups have been disbanded.
