A Hong Kong court has sentenced two activists to prison for organizing annual vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. The activists, part of a group that had held demonstrations for years, were found guilty under Hong Kong’s national security law. The court imposed sentences of up to seven years and three months.
The case marks another instance of the national security law being used to target pro-democracy groups. The activists were among three individuals charged in the case, all of whom had organized the vigils annually. The law, enacted in 2020, has been widely criticized for its broad powers and its impact on political dissent.
The trial followed months of heightened scrutiny of pro-democracy activities in Hong Kong. The sentences highlight the ongoing tensions between the city’s autonomy and Beijing’s influence. The activists’ legal team has not yet commented on the ruling.
The case has drawn international attention, with critics warning of the law’s effect on freedom of expression. The trial underscores the challenges faced by activists in Hong Kong as they navigate a legal system increasingly aligned with mainland China’s policies.
