Ex-legislators from Hong Kong granted release after serving lengthy sentences under the rule imposed by Beijing's security legislation
Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Figures Back on the Streets
In a major development, four ex-legislators, including Claudia Mo, Jeremy Tam, Kwok Ka-ki, and Gary Fan, walked out of Hong Kong prisons after serving over four years for violating the Beijing-imposed security law. The quartet were among 47 activists arrested in 2021 during an unofficial primary election, marking the first reunion of their families and friends following years of separation.
Upon her release, Mo's husband, Philip Bowring, expressed relief, stating that she was "well and in high spirits." However, he mentioned that she wouldn't be giving interviews immediately as she needs to adjust to life outside prison. The couple may visit England to meet their grandkids at a later date. Fan, another released individual, took to local media HK01 to express gratitude towards the people and media for their support and indicated plans to reunite with his family.
These convicted activists still face a challenging road ahead, with 14 of them appealing their sentences and the government challenging the acquittal of one activist. The convictions of the pro-democracy activists have sparked substantial criticism globally, with many viewing it as an oppressive move by the authorities following the anti-government protests in 2019. Critics argue these judicial actions further curtail media freedoms, diminish public choice in elections, and represent a shrinking of the Western-style civil liberties that Beijing pledged to preserve in the former British colony for 50 years post the 1997 handover to China.
Despite the criticism, the Beijing and Hong Kong governments have maintained that the national security law is essential for the city's stability. They also defend the judicial decisions, seemingly unfazed by the international backlash.
Enrichment Data:- The "NSL 47" pro-democracy advocates, including Claudia Mo, Jeremy Tam, Kwok Ka-ki, and Gary Fan, were arrested in 2021.- Benny Tai and Joshua Wong are among the convicted pro-democracy advocates, with Benny Tai receiving a 10-year prison term and Joshua Wong serving four years and eight months.- In November 2024, a Hong Kong court sentenced 45 of the "NSL 47" to up to 10 years in prison.- 14 of the convicted activists have appealed their sentences, with the government also planning to challenge the acquittal of one activist.- Critics view the convictions of the pro-democracy activists as a bid by authorities to stifle dissent following the massive anti-government protests in 2019.
- Pro-democracy figures, such as Jeremy Tam and Kwok Ka-ki, who were released from prison after serving their convictions under the Beijing-imposed security law, plan to reunite with their families.
- Upon his release, Gary Fan expressed gratitude towards the people and media for their support and indicated his intentions to appeal his sentencing, like Claudia Mo who is also part of the "NSL 47."
- The convictions and sentencing of pro-democracy activists, including Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, have faced substantial global criticism, with many viewing it as a push towards suppressing dissent and diminishing civil liberties in Hong Kong.
- Despite international backlash, the Hong Kong and Beijing governments maintain that the national security law is crucial for maintaining the city's stability, defending their judicial decisions relating to pro-democracy activists like the recently released quartet.
