Hong Kong releases second group of democrats jailed for four years in national security trial
GuardianMAY 30
Hong Kong Frees Second Group of Jailed Opposition Activists
Above: A banner of the now-released opposition activist Jimmy Sham is displayed during a primary election in Hong Kong on July 11, 2020. Image copyright: May James/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
These four pro-democracy activists are now free but that does not change the fact that sentences in the Hong Kong 47 case illustrate the systematic dismantling of the city's opposition. The Beijing-imposed national security law has been used to criminalize peaceful political participation, to silence dissent, and to undermine civil liberties and democratic aspirations.
Pro-China narrative
These four anti-China conspirators have been released now that they completed their sentences, further demonstrating that Hong Kong does have rule of law and a normal judicial system despite a smear campaign against the city's national security law. All of those involved in the Hong Kong 47 case received fair trials and sentences for their actions.