Hong Kong: Gwyneth Ho Convicted Alongside 13 Pro-Democracy Activists in Largest National Security Case
Landmark verdict under Hong Kong's sweeping national security law represents most extensive crackdown on the city's democratic opposition
Location: Hong Kong
Date: May 30, 2024
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the conviction of Gwyneth Ho and 13 other pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong's largest national security case to date. This landmark verdict, delivered on Thursday, is a chilling testament to the erosion of democratic freedoms and the rule of law in Hong Kong under Beijing's stringent national security law. Ho's fearless coverage, a journalist with the now-defunct Stand News, is known for her frontline reporting during the 2019-2020 protests, which brought global attention to the struggle for democracy in Hong Kong. Ho was previously sentenced to six months in prison for her involvement in a banned protest commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. As we await the sentencing, we call on the international community to stand in solidarity with Gwyneth Ho. It is imperative that we continue to advocate for the protection of fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in Hong Kong. The convictions of Gwyneth Ho and activists must not be allowed to stand unchallenged; their courage and resilience in the face of oppression demand our unwavering support.
In a landmark case under Hong Kong's stringent national security law, a court on Thursday found 14 out of 16 pro-democracy activists guilty of conspiring to subvert the state. This verdict marks the most significant crackdown on the city's democratic opposition since Beijing imposed the sweeping legislation.
The trial stems from the arrest of 47 pro-democracy figures in January 2021, following dawn raids across Hong Kong, including journalist Claudia Mo and Gwyneth Ho, as documented by Women Press Freedom. The detainees were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion due to their participation in an unofficial primary election. The mass trial, which has been closely watched internationally, highlights the heightened tensions between Hong Kong's democratic aspirations and Beijing's tightening control.
In August 2022, Mo admitted guilt to a charge of "conspiracy to subvert state powers." She was among 29 of the 47 activists who pled guilty to the same charge. Their sentencing was postponed, pending the trial of the 17 other co-defendants.
Among those now convicted is Gwyneth Ho Kwai-lam, a former journalist with Stand News. Ho gained prominence for her frontline reporting during the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests. Her courageous coverage often placed her in the thick of violent clashes between protesters and police.
In June 2020, Ho announced her candidacy in the pro-democracy primaries, successfully securing a nomination for the general election, which was later postponed. Her involvement in the primaries led to her arrest in January 2021.
In September 2021, Ho stated that she would proceed with her bail application only if the High Court removed the reporting restrictions on bail hearings. Ho strongly believed that the media should be allowed to freely report on her bail hearing, a conviction so firm that she was willing to forgo bail for it.
In December 2021, Ho was sentenced to six months in prison for her role in a banned protest commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Her recent conviction adds to her already significant legal battles and underscores the extensive measures taken against those advocating for democratic reforms in Hong Kong.
The imposition of the national security law in June 2020 has dramatically reshaped Hong Kong's political landscape, leading to the arrest of numerous activists, the disbanding of civil society groups, and the shuttering of independent media outlets. The law effectively criminalizes dissent and undermines the "one country, two systems" framework promised to Hong Kong after its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
Women Press Freedom condemns these convictions as a direct attack on press freedom and democratic rights. We stand in solidarity with Gwyneth Ho, Caludia Mo, and all those who have been unjustly targeted under this oppressive legislation. The international community must continue to advocate for the protection of journalists and the upholding of democratic principles in Hong Kong.
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