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Hong Kong Frees Second Group of Pro-Democracy Activists After Four-Year Sentences

Their release follows convictions over a 2020 unofficial primary election that authorities said aimed to paralyse the city government

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Pro-democracy and LGBT+ rights activist Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit arrives at his residence after serving a four-year and three-month sentence for conspiracy to commit subversion in a landmark national security case, in Hong Kong, China, May 30, 2025. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
Hong Kong's pro-democracy activist Jimmy Sham, center, is released from prison in Hong Kong, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)
A view of Shek Pik Prison, in Hong Kong, China, May 30, 2025. REUTERS/Lam Yik

Overview

  • Jimmy Sham, former convenor of the Civil Human Rights Front, was among four activists released on May 30 after serving over four years for conspiracy to commit subversion
  • The freed activists include Kinda Li, Roy Tam and Henry Wong, who had organised an unofficial primary to select legislative candidates in 2020
  • They are the second batch of the “Hong Kong 47” to complete their terms, following the late-April release of four former pro-democracy lawmakers
  • Of the original 47 charged in early 2021 under Beijing’s national security law, 45 were convicted in November 2024 and received sentences of up to ten years
  • Western governments decried the trial as politically motivated while Hong Kong and Beijing authorities maintain the proceedings were fair under the security legislation