Security law: mass trial against Hong Kong activists begins US shoots down balloon, China speaks of coincidence and is outraged – an overview

The largest trial to date has begun in Hong Kong for alleged violations of the controversial security law.

As the Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post reported, 18 of a total of 47 suspects appeared in court on Monday who had previously pleaded not guilty.

Among the 47 suspects are numerous prominent activists such as former student leader Joshua Wong and law teacher Benny Tai. The group of opposition activists had already been charged almost two years ago. Most of them have been in custody ever since.

The group is accused of organizing illegal primaries ahead of Hong Kong’s 2020 Legislative Council elections, which were later canceled due to the pandemic. By doing so, the suspect had committed state danger and violated the security law introduced in the late summer of the same year.

At the start of the trial on Monday, two of the 18 defendants changed their statements and pleaded guilty. According to media reports in Hong Kong, the process will take about 90 days. Then the punishment must also be announced for the rest of the group, who had previously pleaded guilty.

The passing of the security law in response to the demonstrations in Hong Kong, which lasted about a year, was met with strong international criticism. It focuses on activities Beijing classifies as subversive, separatist, terrorist or conspiratorial.

Hong Kong has been part of China since July 1, 1997. However, it is governed on the principle of “one country, two systems”. This agreement effectively stipulates that Hong Kongers will enjoy “a high degree of autonomy” and many freedoms until 2047. But since the security law was passed, many only speak of “one country, one system”. (aeg/sda/dpa)