Hong Kong Democracy Advocates Charged Under National Security Law

Hong Kong Democracy Advocates Charged Under National Security Law

The Hong Kong government charged 47 democracy advocates Sunday with violating a national security law that prohibits "conspiracy to commit subversion," prompting hundreds of protesters to gather in defiance of the law to show their support.

The activists charged were among a group of more than 50 people arrested in January for organizing and taking part in a primary election last July.

The mass arrests last month were the most extensive roundup since the law was introduced in the summer.

The protest was the largest seen in the city for months, with those gathered chanting the banned slogan, "Liberate Hong Kong! Revolution of our time!" and carrying placards demanding the release of those rounded up under the sweeping legislation.

Prosecutors had argued in court that the defendants were involved in a "massive and well-organized scheme to subvert the Hong Kong government" by organizing and participating in an unofficial primary election last July.

Such contests are a normal function in democracies around the world, during which political parties select the strongest candidates for an election.

The legislative elections were supposed to be held in September but were eventually postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/01/asia/hong-kong-lawmakers-bail-intl-hnk/index.html

Source: https://www.npr.org/2021/02/28/972341741/hong-kong-democracy-advocates-charged-under-national-security-law

Source: https://nypost.com/2021/03/01/us-eu-decry-arrests-of-pro-democracy-activists-in-hong-kong/