Seven pro-democracy activists have been convicted in Hong Kong for their involvement in demonstrations on August 18, 2019.
Hong Kong Protestor Arrest
Seven pro-Democracy Advocates have been convicted in Hong Kong on Thursday. They were accused of illegally gathering and participating in anti-government protests in 2019. These seven people also include the founder and famous journalist Jimmy Lai of Apple Daily newspaper. In addition, 82-year-old Martin Lee, who led the democracy campaign in Hong Kong, has also been found guilty.
These pro-democracy activists have been convicted for their involvement in the demonstrations on August 18, 2019. Some of these activists have been granted bail on condition of not going out of Hong Kong and handing over their travel documents. At the same time, some other cases are still in custody. Further hearing on the case will be held on April 16, when a petition to reduce the sentence will be heard and then the sentence will be announced.
Ruckus over China’s disputed national security law
Unlawful gathering and rioting in Hong Kong can carry a sentence of up to 10 years. Before the hearing on the case, many supporters shouted slogans outside the court. The organizers of the said demonstration had said that 17 lakh people took out a march on that day against a proposed bill of China (National Security Act). In this proposed bill, there was a provision to extradite the suspect of any criminal case to China for hearing.
Violent clash between protesters and security personnel
There were widespread demonstrations against this extradition bill in Hong Kong in 2019. The bill was eventually withdrawn, but people continued to protest, demanding full democracy and other demands, and at times violence between protesters and police. This disputed law of China was criticized worldwide. During this time, cases of firing tear gas shells and firing at the protesters were also reported.
China took Hong Kong from Britain for 50 years
Before the hearing, pro-democracy and defense people gathered outside the court and shouted slogans. In 2019, there were protests in Hong Kong for several months over the disputed law. China withdrew the law in view of this, but the protests continued. China promised to keep the city independently for 50 years if it took Hong Kong from Britain in 1997, but its recent moves are seen as a betrayal.
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