(Hong Kong) The river trial of 47 of Hong Kong’s most prominent pro-democracy figures opened on Monday, with dozens of figures accused of trying to overthrow the government in a case that critics say illustrates the criminalization of dissent in the city.
A small group of protesters gathered outside the court, AFP journalists noted.
“The repression is shameless,” read a banner unfurled by two demonstrators, who chanted: “Immediately release all political prisoners.”
Another protester was seen raising his fist in solidarity with the defendants. A large number of police were deployed nearby.
It is the largest trial to date under the national security law, imposed by Beijing in 2020 and intended to stifle dissent, similar to the legislation in mainland China.
Among the 47 defendants are prominent pro-democracy activists like lawyer Benny Tai and former MPs.
All face sentences of up to life in prison if found guilty of “conspiracy to commit an act of subversion”. The trial is expected to last several months.
Their supporters, like their opponents, lined up outside the courthouse, some overnight, hoping to see the trial begin.