NEWS//HK sentences pro-democracy leaders

In 2019, Hong Kong was rocked by protests against China's attempts to erode the city's democracy.

Leaders sentenced

This week a Hong Kong court sentenced nine pro-democracy leaders of those protests to prison. Their sentences run from eight and eighteen months. 

The judge gave four other  defendants suspended sentences because of "their age and contributions to society."  But, although they will not be held in prison, any minor infraction will revoke their suspended sentences.   

These sentences follow a trial earlier this month where these leaders were found guilty of organizing and participating in a massive protest in August 2019. During those unauthorized protests, an estimated 1.7 million people marched in opposition to a bill that would have allowed suspects to be extradited to mainland China.  

One of the defendants, Martin Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s Apple Daily, was charged with additional crimes. Those charges include conspiring to collude with foreign powers and helping local activists to escape the city. If found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Beijing’s hold tightened

The Washington Post calls these sentences "a new low for the viability of democratic opposition in Hong Kong as Beijing remodels the city into one that resembles any other in China."

CBS News says "their convictions and sentencing are another blow to the city's flagging democracy movement, which is facing an unprecedented crackdown by Beijing and Hong Kong authorities." It also notes, "The sentences were swiftly met with international criticism."

Sources: Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, CBS News, The New York Times