Fourteen Pro-Democracy Activists Convicted of Subversion by Hong Kong Court

A landmark case in Hong Kong has seen 14 pro-democracy activists found guilty of "conspiracy to subvert state power". The trial, which lasted over 10 months and began with the arrest of the defendants in January 2021, concluded with a verdict that has been widely criticized by human rights groups. The convicted individuals include one organizer and 13 candidates, most of whom are former politicians. The case is significant as it marks the largest use yet of China's National Security Law, which was imposed on Hong Kong in 2020 after pro-democracy protests brought the city to a standstill. The law has been widely criticized for its vague language and potential for abuse, and has effectively suppressed public dissent in Hong Kong.