Overview

• Four former lawmakers, the first among 45 convicted in Hong Kong's largest national security trial, were released after serving four years and two months in prison.
• The activists were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion for organizing a 2020 unofficial primary election aimed at gaining a legislative majority to challenge the government.
• Tight security accompanied their release, with police patrols and restricted access to the prisons where they were held, and vehicles carrying them shielded from public view.
• The Beijing-imposed national security law has faced international condemnation, with Western governments labeling the trial politically motivated and unjust.
• Pending appeals include 14 convicted activists contesting their sentences and a prosecution challenge against one acquittal in the same case.