A court in Hong Kong has handed down prison sentences of up to 16 months to eight leaders of massive 2014 pro-democracy protests.
Nine leaders of the city’s “Occupy Central” protests that paralysed parts of the former British colony for 79 days in late 2014 were convicted last month of public nuisance offences.
Another defendant, Tanya Chan, had her sentencing postponed because of the need to undergo surgery.
Wednesday’s decision follows a closely watched trial lasting almost a month and comes at a time when Hong Kong’s freedoms and autonomy have come under increasing strain from China‘s Communist Party leaders, stoking concern from foreign governments, rights groups and businesspeople.
The 2014 Occupy Central demonstrations, which pushed for genuine, full democracy in Hong Kong, blocked roads in three important districts – Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok – and drew more than a million people over nearly three months, organisers estimated.
Nine defendants, including law professor Benny Tai, 54, retired sociologist Chan Kin-man, 60, and retired pastor Chu Yiu-ming, 75, were found guilty of at least one public nuisance charge each over their roles in planning and mobilising supporters during the protest.
All nine pleaded not guilty and argued the “umbrella” movement was intended as peaceful, non-violent civil disobedience, serving no motive other than to benefit society and make positive democratic progress.
More to follow
