Hong Kong court dismisses appeal of 12 activists over landmark subversion case
South China Morning Post
by Matthew Cheng,Natalie WongFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hong Kong's Court of Appeal has dismissed appeals filed by 12 opposition activists seeking to overturn their convictions or reduce sentences in a landmark subversion case tied to an unofficial 2020 primary election. The court upheld the lower court’s decision, deeming the event subversive and affirming that the seven-year starting point for prison terms was not “manifestly excessive.” Among the 47 activists originally prosecuted, one barrister, Lawrence Lau Wai-chung, had his acquittal upheld.
The case centered on a 2020 primary election organized by opposition groups to challenge the pro-Beijing establishment in Hong Kong. The government argued that this event was an attempt to subvert state power under the National Security Law (NSL), which carries severe penalties. The Court of Appeal’s ruling reinforces the interpretation of what constitutes subversion under the NSL, setting a significant legal precedent.
This decision has far-reaching implications for Hong Kong's political landscape and legal framework. It underscores the government’s stance on cracking down on any activities perceived as challenging its authority, even those conducted和平ly through democratic processes. The case also highlights the broader context of increasing restrictions on opposition voices in Hong Kong since the implementation of the NSL in 2020.
The ruling is a major win for the Hong Kong authorities and sends a clear message about the consequences of engaging in activities deemed
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/23/2026