Four Former Lawmakers Released After Serving Sentences in Hong Kong National Security Case

Four former pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong were released from prison on Tuesday after serving sentences stemming from the territory’s largest national security trial to date.

The case, centered on the “Hong Kong 47,” has drawn international attention and criticism over the past several years.

Claudia Mo, Kwok Ka-ki, Jeremy Tam, and Gary Fan were freed early in the morning from separate correctional facilities after completing sentences of four years and two months. Their imprisonment followed convictions for conspiracy to commit subversion, a charge under Hong Kong’s national security law introduced by Beijing in 2020.

The four were arrested in early 2021 and denied bail, remaining in custody for nearly two years before the start of their trial in 2023. All pleaded guilty and were sentenced in late 2024. They were among 47 pro-democracy activists charged in connection with organizing an unofficial “primary election” in 2020. Authorities argued that the election was part of a broader plan to undermine government operations, while critics said it was a legitimate political strategy.

Tight security surrounded the releases. Vehicles were seen leaving Stanley Prison, Shek Pik Prison on Lantau Island, and the Lo Wu Correctional Institution, where the former lawmakers were held. Access to surrounding roads was restricted, and police maintained a strong presence throughout the morning.

Upon returning home, Fan briefly addressed the media, saying he looked forward to reuniting with his family. Mo’s husband told local outlets that she was calm and needed rest.

The Civic Party, once a major player in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and the former political home of Mo, Kwok, and Tam, disbanded in early 2024 under the ongoing pressure of the national security law. Mo had previously left the party in 2016 to co-found HK First, a localist group, with Fan, who was also affiliated with the Neo Democrats.

The wider trial of the Hong Kong 47 saw 45 convictions and only two acquittals. Sentences ranged up to 10 years, with professor-turned-activist Benny Tai receiving the longest term. The case was widely condemned by Western governments, including the United States and the United Kingdom, which viewed the charges as politically motivated.

Beijing and Hong Kong officials maintain that the national security law is essential to restoring stability following the mass protests in 2019 and assert that all individuals charged have received fair trials under the law.

The 2020 unofficial primary, which drew participation from over 600,000 voters, had aimed to consolidate opposition candidates for legislative elections. Authorities, however, interpreted it as an attempt to seize control of the legislature and obstruct governance.

Reuters, CNN, BBC, and NPR contributed to this report.