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47 pro-democracy campaigners, activists charged with subversion in HK

This article is more than 12 months old

HONG KONG Forty-seven Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners and activists were charged yesterday with conspiracy to commit subversion in the largest single crackdown on the opposition under a China-imposed national security law.

Among them was Sam Cheung, a 27-year-old activist and participant in an unofficial primary election last summer, who was charged after reporting to a local police station.

"Hong Kongers have a really tough time these days," he told reporters before entering the station. "I hope everyone won't give up on Hong Kong ... (and) fight on."

Cheung was arrested in a dawn raid along with 54 other pro-democracy campaigners on Jan 6 in the largest national security operation since the law passed last June. They were accused of organising and participating in the unofficial primary last July aimed at selecting the strongest candidates for a legislative council election.

The Hong Kong police said they had laid a charge against 47 persons with the single count. They will appear in court this morning.

The decision to charge many activists in a single swoop could potentially strike hard at the opposition movement. Those charged included veterans like Leung Kwok-hung, Eddie Chu and Alvin Yeung; former law professor Benny Tai and prominent young campaigners Lester Shum and Joshua Wong.

Some who reported to police stations across the city pumped their fists and expressed defiance, flanked by supporters.

"Constant suppression would never abate our faith," said Jimmy Sham. - REUTERS

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