Hong Kong Court Hears Appeals in Largest National Security Trial

Appeal proceedings began in Hong Kong for 13 pro-democracy activists convicted under the city’s national security law in the largest security trial related to a 2020 informal primary election deemed subversive by authorities. The court will review appeals from 12 convicted defendants, including notable figures such as ex-lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung and activist Owen Chow, who received the harshest sentence of over seven years, alongside a government appeal against the acquittal of former district councillor Lawrence Lau. Amnesty International described the hearing as a pivotal opportunity to address what it calls mass injustice and a crucial test for the future of freedom of expression in Hong Kong. The appeals are scheduled to last approximately 10 days in the West Kowloon Law Courts Building, and the case has drawn international criticism from the U.S., Britain, and the EU for eroding freedoms and suppressing peaceful opposition. While most defendants pleaded guilty or were convicted, two were acquitted, and some have already served more than four years in prison. The outcome is seen as significant for restoring Hong Kong’s global standing on human rights and the rule of law under Beijing’s national security framework.