Hong Kong Jails Benny Tai for 10 Years in Longest NSL Sentence

Pro-democracy activist Benny Tai was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday in the longest sentence handed down under the National Security Law (NSL).

Tai, along with nine others, was found guilty of conspiring to commit subversion by organizing an unofficial primary election in July 2020. The primary was seen as a challenge to Beijing's authority and was used to select candidates for the Legislative Council election.

The sentence is the longest handed down under the NSL, which was imposed on Hong Kong in June 2020. The law has been criticized by human rights groups for being used to suppress dissent and stifle opposition to the government.

Tai's sentence is a blow to the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.

He was a prominent figure in the 2014 Umbrella Movement, which called for greater democracy in Hong Kong. Tai's sentencing sends a clear message that the government will not tolerate any challenge to its authority.

The sentence is also a reminder of the increasing crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong. In recent months, the government has arrested several pro-democracy activists and closed down independent media outlets.

The international community has condemned Tai's sentencing.

The United States and the United Kingdom have both expressed concern about the use of the NSL to suppress dissent. The European Union has called on Hong Kong to release Tai and other political prisoners.

Tai's sentencing is a dark day for Hong Kong. It is a reminder of the government's determination to suppress dissent and stifle opposition to its authority.