Activist Chan Po-ying is permitted only 15-minute daily visits to see her husband, Leung Kwok-hung, separated by a plexiglass barrier in a highly guarded Hong Kong jail. Leung, 68, is one of 47 activists who were prosecuted in the largest national security law case to date in the former British colony. On Thursday, 16 activists who pleaded not guilty will begin hearing their verdict.
The government had warned there might be legal consequences, but Chan didn’t stop former pro-democracy legislator Leung from participating in an unofficial 2020 primary election that would lead to his prosecution under a national security law that Beijing imposed on the semi-autonomous city.
Charged with conspiracy to commit subversion, Leung and other defendants are accused of attempting to paralyze Hong Kong’s government and topple the city’s leader by securing the legislative majority necessary to veto budgets. The charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Those who pleaded guilty have a better chance at shorter prison terms and will be sentenced at a later date.
Activism in Hong Kong has a long history, with Chan and Leung being part of a wave of youth activism that started in the 1970s. The Umbrella Movement in 2014 marked a significant moment in Hong Kong's fight for democracy, but subsequent crackdowns by Beijing have stifled many activists' hopes.
In 2020, a national security law was imposed, leading to arrests and prosecutions of pro-democracy activists. The recent case involving the 47 activists has left many lives upended, with families separated and individuals facing uncertain futures.
Despite the challenges, activists like Chan and Wong remain resilient, continuing their advocacy work even in the face of adversity. The impact of their efforts may not be immediate, but they believe that persistence in fighting for their beliefs is still meaningful.
