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Hong Kong Security Law Families
Emilia Wong catches up on reading letters from activist and partner Ventus Lau on her way back after visiting him at prison, in Hong Kong, Monday, March 25, 2024. For decades, Hong Kong's activists have been fighting for democracy. But a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 has dramatically changed their lives. In the city's biggest national security case, 47 democracy advocates were charged in 2021 over their roles in an unofficial primary election. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)

The toll of Beijing's security law on Hong Kong's activists

For decades, Hong Kong's activists have been fighting for democracy

By Kanis Leung
Published - May 28, 2024, 10:12 PM ET
Last Updated - May 28, 2024, 10:12 PM EDT

HONG KONG (AP) — Activist Chan Po-ying is permitted only 15-minute daily visits to see her husband, Leung Kwok-hung, separated by a plexiglass barrier in a highly guarded Hong Kong jail.

Leung, 68, is one of 47 activists who were prosecuted in the largest national security law case to date in the former British colony. Most of them have been separated from their loved ones for years, uncertain when they might reunite. On Thursday, 16 activists who pleaded not guilty — including Leung — will begin hearing their verdict.

The government had warned there might be legal consequences, but Chan didn’t stop former pro-democracy legislator Leung from participating in an unofficial 2020 primary election that would lead to his prosecution under a national security law that Beijing imposed on the semi-autonomous city.

“Maybe we were too naive,” Chan, 68, said with a laugh.

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