Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal dismissed appeals by 12 opposition activists on Monday, who sought to overturn their convictions or reduce sentences in the city’s largest national security trial to date. The court also upheld the acquittal of one of the 47 defendants, barrister Lawrence Lau, in the high-profile conspiracy to subvert state power case. The ruling came amid tight security at the West Kowloon Court.
Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal on Monday dismissed appeals from 12 opposition activists who sought to overturn their convictions or reduce their sentences in the city’s largest national security trial. The case, known as the Hong Kong 47, involved allegations of conspiracy to subvert state power stemming from a 2020 primary election organized by pro-democracy figures. The appellate ruling upheld the acquittal of barrister Lawrence Lau Wai-chung, one of 47 defendants, despite a government appeal against his not guilty verdict.
Lau arrived at the West Kowloon Court around 8:30am, dressed in a black suit and orange tie, carrying a copy of Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution by US Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett. The other acquitted activist, former district councillor Lee Yue-shun, who did not face prosecution appeal, also attended the hearing escorted by six officers.
Security was heavy outside the court, with about 100 officers at the entrance and a roadblock on the adjacent road. Around 50 people queued to enter, with barricades and guards along public and media lines. Approximately 10 representatives from Western consulates were present to observe the verdict announcement.
The trial, prosecuted under the national security law, targeted figures including Helena Wong Pik-wan and Benny Tai Yiu-ting. It relates to efforts seen by authorities as undermining the Legislative Council and Basic Law. The Court of First Instance had previously convicted most defendants, and the appeal court confirmed those outcomes without additional quotes from the bench.
