Foreign governments and rights groups condemn Hong Kong's sentencing of 45 pro-democracy activists

Forty-five pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong received prison sentences of up to 10 years under a national security law. This case is the largest of its kind, with many activists accused of conspiring to disrupt government operations. The sentences have drawn strong criticism from foreign governments and rights groups. Australia and the U.S. condemned the actions, calling them politically motivated and an infringement on civil liberties. Taiwan also criticized the Chinese government's approach to suppressing political participation. The sentencing highlights a significant shift in Hong Kong's political landscape since the introduction of the national security law in 2021. Activists and rights advocates express concern over the erosion of freedoms promised under the "one country, two systems" framework.