Story perspectives

47 Pro-Democracy Activists Sentenced in Hong Kong Ruling

2/25/2026

Center

Activists' Convictions Upheld

A Hong Kong court has upheld the convictions of 47 pro-democracy activists under a national security law.
The sentences ranged from four to ten years.
The case stemmed from a 2020 unofficial primary election aimed at gaining a council majority to challenge the government.
Amnesty International criticized the ruling as a missed chance to address injustice, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concern over citizen Gordon Ng's appeal loss.

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Tusk's Democratic Restoration

In 2023, Poland's Law and Justice party faced backlash for authoritarian practices, leading to a new coalition government under Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The coalition aims to restore liberal democracy but encounters an illiberal trilemma—reforms must be quick, legal, and effective.
The previous government politicized judicial appointments and media, complicating reform efforts.
Political scientist Ben Stanley notes that restoring democratic norms is challenging after they have been undermined.

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Activists' Convictions Upheld

A Hong Kong court has upheld the convictions of 47 pro-democracy activists under a national security law.
The sentences ranged from four to ten years.
The case stemmed from a 2020 unofficial primary election aimed at gaining a council majority to challenge the government.
Amnesty International criticized the ruling as a missed chance to address injustice, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concern over citizen Gordon Ng's appeal loss.

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