47 charged in 'conspiracy to subvert state power': Sentencing day arrives
47 people were charged with "conspiracy to subvert the state power" in custody.
They were suspected of breaching the national security law in Hong Kong for organizing or participating in the so-called "primary election".
Among them, 31 have pleaded guilty, while 14 were found guilty after trial. Two others were acquitted. The case is being sentenced today by three judges designated under the National Security Law.
The proceedings lasted 118 days and were presided over by Judges Andrew Chan, Lee Wan-tang, and Chan Jong-herng. Key witnesses included organizers Au Nok-hin, Andrew Chiu, Ben Chung Kam-lun, and participant Mike Lam King Nam, who all testified in court.
The 45 defendants sought plea bargains between June and September this year. Under Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, penalties for subverting state power vary based on the defendant's role and involvement. Principal offenders or those committing severe crimes can face life imprisonment or over ten years. In comparison, active participants may receive sentences of three to ten years, and others face up to three years of imprisonment, detention, or supervision.
During the plea phase, the prosecution argued that the sentencing guidelines for the charge of subverting state power apply to this case.
The court previously noted that the lead defendant, Benny Tai Yiu-ting, was the mastermind behind the "ThunderGo" plan, which aimed to secure a majority in the Legislative Council elections to veto the budget, pressuring the Chief Executive to respond to the "five demands" or resign. The defense's claim that Tai's strategy was mere fantasy was dismissed by the court.
Many citizens lined up outside the court this morning to attend the proceedings. Security around the courthouse was heightened, with anti-terrorism units in bulletproof vests patrolling the area and police dogs conducting checks. Additionally, an armored vehicle was on standby, and all vehicles entering or exiting the court were subjected to security inspections.
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