Hong Kong Activists Await Sentencing in Landmark Trial

The final pleas for leniency were made by the last batch of 45 Hong Kong activists in a landmark national security trial. These activists face harsh sentences under a 2020 national security law for allegedly forming a 'conspiracy to subvert state power.' A total of 47 were initially arrested, with 31 pleading guilty.

The final batch of 45 Hong Kong activists presented their pleas for lighter sentences on Tuesday in a key national security trial. They are charged with forming a 'conspiracy to subvert state power,' an offense that can lead to life imprisonment under the national security law implemented by Beijing in 2020.

The law was introduced following the 2019 democracy protests that shook the city. Judge Andrew Chan announced that sentencing for the 45 would occur at a later, undisclosed date. A total of 47 activists were detained and charged in 2021 for participating in an unofficial poll to select pro-democracy candidates for a 2020 legislative council election.

Of the initial 47, 31 pleaded guilty, and 16 underwent a 118-day trial last year, with two being acquitted. As the last set of hearings began on Monday, journalist-turned-activist Gwyneth Ho and others expressed varying degrees of mitigation. Some, like Owen Chow, remained hopeful about the future of democracy in Hong Kong.

(With inputs from agencies.)