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Hong Kong Court to Review Democracy Campaigners' Convictions

2/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Hong Kong appeals court will decide on February 23 whether to overturn the 12 democracy campaigners' convictions.
They were jailed in 2024 for organizing an unofficial primary aimed at expanding pro-democracy representation.
Authorities deemed the plan a subversive plot, with sentences from over four to ten years.
Some appellants have spent nearly five years in prison.
18 others have been released, and prosecutors are contesting one acquittal.

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Story summary

A Hong Kong appeals court will decide on February 23 whether to overturn the 12 democracy campaigners' convictions.
They were jailed in 2024 for organizing an unofficial primary aimed at expanding pro-democracy representation.
Authorities deemed the plan a subversive plot, with sentences from over four to ten years.
Some appellants have spent nearly five years in prison.
18 others have been released, and prosecutors are contesting one acquittal.