Hong Kong convicts 14 activists of subversion

In a significant development, Hong Kong has found 14 pro-democracy activists guilty of subversion, the largest use of China's National Security Law to date. The convicted individuals, which include former lawmakers and ordinary citizens, were charged for their involvement in organizing an unofficial primary in 2020. The court's decision was based on the belief that their election would have led to a constitutional crisis for Hong Kong. The verdict has sparked condemnation from rights groups and several Western countries, who have raised concerns about the political motivations behind the prosecutions. The EU foreign affairs spokeswoman expressed that the conviction represents a further decline in fundamental freedoms and democratic engagement in Hong Kong. This case has brought attention to the criticism surrounding the National Security Law and its impact on civil liberties in the region.