On Monday, a Hong Kong appeals court upheld the convictions of 12 activists involved in what is known as the 'Hong Kong 47' case, rejecting their appeals. This case is notable for being the largest trial conducted under the national security law imposed by Beijing in June 2020. The activists faced charges of 'conspiracy to commit subversion' related to their involvement in organizing and participating in self-organized primary elections for the Legislative Council in 2020, which were subsequently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and followed by a strict new electoral system that limited candidacies.

Amnesty International has criticized the court's decision, emphasizing that the rejections of the appeals highlight the serious human rights conditions present in Hong Kong. Fernando Cheung, a spokesperson for Amnesty International, stressed that none of the 12 defendants committed any internationally recognized crime, arguing that they are being penalized for simply exercising their right to free expression and assembly. This reaction from Amnesty International underscores growing international concern regarding the state of political freedoms in Hong Kong under the current governance.

The 'Hong Kong 47' case is emblematic of a broader crackdown on dissent in the region, casting a long shadow over the prospects for democracy and active political participation in Hong Kong. The ruling is perceived not only as a legal judgment but also as a signal from the authorities about their stance on opposition and civil liberties, making it clear that the judicial system may be used to stifle dissenting voices within society.