Who are the activists jailed in Hong Kong's largest national security trial?

In a significant development in Hong Kong, 45 individuals have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in activities deemed subversive under the National Security Law (NSL) imposed by China. This group, known as the Hong Kong 47, includes some of the most prominent pro-democracy activists in the city. The court's decision comes after a lengthy legal process, during which two defendants were acquitted earlier this year. The authorities accused these individuals, comprising eight women and 39 men, of attempting to overthrow the government by organizing an unofficial primary election aimed at selecting opposition candidates for local elections. Most of the defendants either pleaded guilty or were convicted of conspiring to commit subversion. Among the notable figures in this group are Joshua Wong and Benny Tai, both of whom played significant roles in the 2014 pro-democracy protests that captured global attention. Other well-known opposition lawmakers, such as Claudia Mo, Helena Wong, and Leung Kwok-hung, also known as Long Hair, are part of this group. Additionally, there are newer activists like Owen Chow and Ventus Lau, who emerged during the 2019 protests, representing a younger generation of voices advocating for change. Many of these activists were not traditional politicians but were motivated by the events of 2019, including social workers and entrepreneurs. Since their arrests in early 2021, most of the defendants have been held in pre-trial detention, a common practice under the NSL. In May, Laurence Lau and Lee Yue-shun, both former district councillors, were acquitted of charges. Benny Tai, a law professor and one of the main organizers of the 2020 primary, has been labeled a 'hardcore troublemaker' by Chinese authorities for his advocacy of Hong Kong independence and criticism of the Communist Party. He first gained prominence in 2014 when he co-founded the Occupy Central movement, which called for fair elections in Hong Kong. Following his conviction related to the Occupy Central protests, he was dismissed from his position at the University of Hong Kong, which he claimed was due to pressure from the Chinese government. Tai has now been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in organizing the primary election. Joshua Wong, arguably the most recognizable face of the pro-democracy movement, began his activism at the young age of 14. He became a prominent figure during the Umbrella Movement in 2014 and has faced multiple arrests since then. In 2019, he participated in significant protests against a controversial extradition bill, leading to his conviction and subsequent solitary confinement. Despite his challenges, Wong remains defiant, stating that neither imprisonment nor bans on elections will deter their activism. He has been sentenced to four years and eight months in jail. Long Hair, known for his theatrical protests, has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison. Claudia Mo, a former journalist and opposition lawmaker, has been sentenced to four years and two months. Jimmy Sham, a prominent LGBTQ activist, has been sentenced to four years and three months. Lastly, Gwyneth Ho, a journalist who gained attention during the protests, has been sentenced to seven years in jail. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle for democracy in Hong Kong and the severe consequences faced by those who challenge the government's authority.