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Edith Lin

Forty-five of 47 Hong Kong opposition activists in a landmark national security trial are set to learn their fate next month as the court has tentatively fixed the sentencing hearing for November 19.
Only two defendants were acquitted in the High Court trial in May, with 14 others convicted of conspiracy to subvert state power under the 2020 Beijing-imposed national security law.
The remaining 31 pleaded guilty before the start of the 118-day trial.
“The court is intended tentatively to fix a sentencing hearing on November 19, 2024,” said a letter sent by the court on Thursday to lawyers involved in the case.
The activists were found guilty for trying to secure a controlling majority in the Legislative Council through the 2020 unofficial primary, in a bid to cast an indiscriminate vote against the government’s budget and force then leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor to step down following the social unrest the year before.




Beijing has imposed a three-tier system in classifying offenders found guilty of subversion.
Principal offenders or those committing crimes of a “grave nature” can face life imprisonment or be jailed for no less than 10 years.
Those deemed to have “actively” participated in the offence can be sentenced to between three years and 10 years.
Other participants can face a maximum of three years in jail, short-term detention or restrictions on movement.


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Hong Kong 47: sentencing hearing for 45 activists set for November 19

The landmark national security trial lasted for 118 days. Photo: Sam Tsang

As it happened: Hong Kong 47 – 14 found guilty of subversion and 2 acquitted under national security law over election plot to overthrow government

Police on guard outside the court building. Photo: Sam Tsang

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Hong Kong residents queue up to vote in the unofficial  primary election in July 2020. Photo: Felix Wong

News

Hong Kong

Law and Crime

Forty-five opposition activists in landmark national security case to learn fate next month


Forty-five opposition activists in landmark national security case to learn fate next month.
