Hong Kong court rejects appeal in landmark subversion case

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al JazeeraFebruary 23, 2026 at 05:59 AM

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In February 2026, Hong Kong's Court of Appeal rejected appeals from eleven pro-democracy activists jailed in the "Hong Kong 47" subversion case. The case stems from an unofficial primary election held in July 2020, organized by the pro-democracy camp to select candidates for a legislative election. Authorities deemed the primary a subversive plot under the Beijing-imposed national security law enacted in June 2020 following large-scale pro-democracy protests. Forty-five opposition figures were sentenced in 2024 for their involvement, receiving prison terms of four to ten years. The court also dismissed all appeals over sentences, while upholding the acquittal of one activist after a prosecution appeal.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Lawrence Lau 50% Gwyneth Ho 60% Leung Kwok-hung 60% Lam Cheuk-ting 60% Raymond Chan 60% Helena Wong 60% National Security Law ×270% Beijing ×270% Hong Kong 47 70% Hong Kong Court of Appeal ×280% Hong Kong ×790%

Keywords

hong kong 90% subversion case 90% national security law 80% democracy activists 80% appeal 70% primary election 70% beijing 60% pro-democracy protests 50% court of appeal 50% political dissent 40%