Hong Kong 47: Reaction to jailings of democrats

Hong Kong democrats jailed for up to 3 years for protest over Beijing's electoral reform plans

HONG KONG, July 19 (Reuters) - Hong Kong jailed 47 pro-democracy figures for up to three years on Tuesday for their part in an unauthorised assembly three years ago to protest against Beijing's electoral reform plans.

The sentences were the toughest yet in a crackdown on dissent in the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Reactions to the jailings have been swift and varied, with some condemning the sentences as politically motivated and a sign of a shrinking space for dissent in Hong Kong:

- The United States condemned the sentences and called for the immediate release of those jailed.

- The UK government also expressed concern, saying the sentences "raise further questions about the erosion of freedom of expression in Hong Kong."

- The European Union said the jailings were a "disproportionate and excessive response to the exercise of fundamental rights."

- Human rights groups also condemned the sentences, with Amnesty International saying they were "a dark day for justice in Hong Kong."

The jailings have also sparked anger and frustration among Hong Kong's pro-democracy camp, with many seeing them as a sign that the government is determined to stifle dissent.

The sentences are likely to further strain relations between Hong Kong and the international community, which is already concerned about the erosion of the city's freedoms and autonomy.

In the coming weeks and months, it is likely that there will be further protests and demonstrations in Hong Kong as the pro-democracy movement seeks to keep its voice alive.

The government's crackdown on dissent is unlikely to deter the city's pro-democracy movement, which is determined to fight for the preservation of Hong Kong's freedoms and autonomy.