Defining the News
Twelve Hong Kongers were jailed Saturday for up to seven years over the storming of the city’s legislature in 2019 at the height of pro-democracy protests that challenged the Beijing-backed government.
A total of 14 people were later charged with rioting – which carries a punishment of up to 10 years in jail – and other offenses such as criminal damage and entering the legislative chamber. Deputy judge Li Chi-ho of the District Court on Saturday stressed the symbolic significance of the legislature storming and its “long-lasting effects” on society.
The defendants waved vigorously to the courtroom public gallery as they were led away after sentencing, with many friends and supporters left in tears.“The actual crime committed by the protesters… is the pursuit of democracy, freedom of thought and free will,” said Althea Suen, a children’s rights activist and a former student leader.