Second group of Hong Kong democrats freed after 4 years in jail
A van carrying LGBTQ+ and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit arrives at his house after being released from prison in Hong Kong. (EPA Images pic)
HONG KONG : Four people jailed in the landmark Hong Kong national security trial of '47 democrats' accused of conspiracy to commit subversion were freed on Friday after more than four years behind bars, the second group to be released in a month.
Among those freed was long-time political and LGBTQ activist Jimmy Sham, who also led one of Hong Kong's largest pro-democracy groups, the Civil Human Rights Front, which disbanded in 2021.
CHRF was one of the largest pro-democracy groups in the former British colony and helped to organise million-strong marches during anti-government protests in 2019 that turned violent at times and had a big impact on business and tourism.
The others who were released were Kinda Li, Roy Tam and Henry Wong.
At the end of April, former pro-democracy lawmakers Claudia Mo, Kwok Ka-ki, Jeremy Tam and Gary Fan were released from three separate prisons across Hong Kong around dawn.
Since large and sustained pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong for most of 2019, China has cracked down on the democratic opposition as well as liberal civil society and media outlets under sweeping national security laws.
The 47 pro-democracy campaigners were arrested and charged in early 2021 with conspiracy to commit subversion under a Beijing-imposed national law which carried sentences of up to life in prison.
Forty-five of these were convicted following a marathon trial, with sentences of up to 10 years. Only two were acquitted.
The democrats were found guilty of organising an unofficial 'primary election' in 2020 to select candidates for a legislative election. Prosecutors accused the activists of plotting to paralyse the government by engaging in potentially disruptive acts had they been elected.
Some Western governments including the US called the trial politically motivated and had demanded the democrats be freed.
Hong Kong and Beijing, however, say all are equal under the national security laws and the democrats received a fair trial.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
BTS' Jungkook apologises for wearing controversial hat during j-hope's concert rehearsal
SEOUL, June 14 — BTS's Jungkook has issued an apology for wearing a controversial hat during a rehearsal for j-hope's encore concert. According to Soompi, Jungkook attended the first night of j-hope's Hope On The Stage Final concert at Goyang Sports Complex. During the rehearsal, he was seen wearing a hat with the phrase 'Make Tokyo Great Again.' The slogan, which resembles the phrase 'Make America Great Again' associated with US President Donald Trump, sparked controversy due to historical tensions between Korea and Japan, including Japan's colonial rule over Korea. In the early hours of June 14, Jungkook posted an apology on Weverse. He said: 'My heart feels heavy writing this kind of message after meeting you for the first time in a long while. I sincerely apologise for the disappointment and discomfort I caused many people through the phrase that was written on the hat I wore during today's rehearsal. 'There is no excuse, regardless of my reasons. I was lacking, and I was careless.' He also stated that the hat had been immediately discarded.
Malay Mail
3 hours ago
- Malay Mail
BTS's Jungkook apologises for wearing controversial hat during j-hope's concert rehearsal
SEOUL, June 14 — BTS's Jungkook has issued an apology for wearing a controversial hat during a rehearsal for j-hope's encore concert. According to Soompi, Jungkook attended the first night of j-hope's Hope On The Stage Final concert at Goyang Sports Complex. During the rehearsal, he was seen wearing a hat with the phrase 'Make Tokyo Great Again.' The slogan, which resembles the phrase 'Make America Great Again' associated with US President Donald Trump, sparked controversy due to historical tensions between Korea and Japan, including Japan's colonial rule over Korea. In the early hours of June 14, Jungkook posted an apology on Weverse. He said: 'My heart feels heavy writing this kind of message after meeting you for the first time in a long while. I sincerely apologise for the disappointment and discomfort I caused many people through the phrase that was written on the hat I wore during today's rehearsal. 'There is no excuse, regardless of my reasons. I was lacking, and I was careless.' He also stated that the hat had been immediately discarded.
Free Malaysia Today
5 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Salleh's ‘friendly contest' proposal tactical, says analyst
Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Bilcher Bala says Sabah Umno treasurer Salleh Said Keruak's proposal appears aimed at discouraging the emergence of proxy independent candidates. PETALING JAYA : Sabah Umno treasurer Salleh Said Keruak's call for parties to allow its candidates to engage in 'friendly contests' with each other at the state's upcoming polls is aimed at reducing internal friction among coalitions, according to an analyst. Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said the former chief minister's call for a 'planned, respectful arrangement' may be a tactical effort to defuse tensions, manage internal competition, and prevent conflicts within the Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Harapan (BN-PH) alliance at state level. Bilcher Bala. 'The understanding (is) that whoever wins, the seat remains part of the coalition,' Salleh had said in a recent Facebook post. Bilcher said that while the strategy is intended to maintain internal unity within the BN-PH alliance, 'it does not explicitly suggest that BN-PH will go separately from GRS.' He said that GRS could benefit if Salleh's proposal is implemented. 'For GRS, this approach could reduce tensions and ensure that the (proposed BN-PH-GRS) coalition remains strong and united, which is crucial for winning seats and forming a stable government,' said Bilcher. However, he cautioned that public perception must be managed properly. 'Voters might appreciate the effort to reduce internal conflicts and present a united front, but they could also be sceptical about the effectiveness of such arrangements. 'The key will be clear communication and transparency to ensure voters understand the rationale behind the friendly contests,' he said. Lee Kuok Tiung. Another analyst, Lee Kuok Tiung, however, voiced his concerns. He acknowledged that the arrangement could work, 'depending on whether leaders can reach an understanding.' However, he said, it could disadvantage those who have consistently attacked GRS and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), and open them up to 'counter-attacks'.
