Dozens sentenced for up to 10 years in prison in Hong Kong national security case

Hong Kong court hands down harsh sentences to 47 defendants in first major trial under Beijing-imposed security law

Sentences range from 6 to 10 years in prison, reflecting Beijing's determination to crack down on dissent in the semi-autonomous city

A Hong Kong court has sentenced 47 defendants to prison terms ranging from 6 to 10 years in the first major trial under a Beijing-imposed national security law.

The sentences, handed down on Thursday, are the harshest yet handed down under the law, which was imposed on the semi-autonomous city in 2020 in response to pro-democracy protests the previous year.

The defendants were convicted of conspiracy to commit subversion, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The charges relate to their involvement in a primary election held in July 2020, which was seen as a challenge to Beijing's authority.

The sentences reflect Beijing's determination to crack down on dissent in Hong Kong. The national security law has been used to arrest and prosecute dozens of pro-democracy activists, politicians, and journalists.

The law has also been criticized for its vagueness and its broad interpretation by the authorities. Critics say it has eroded Hong Kong's freedoms and its rule of law.

The sentencing of the 47 defendants is a major blow to the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. It is a signal that Beijing is not prepared to tolerate any challenge to its authority in the city.