Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s largest national security trial has started, involving 47 of the city’s most high-profile democracy advocates in a hearing that is widely considered a trial of the territory’s pro-democracy movement itself.

A group of former politicians, activists, campaigners, and community workers are accused of “conspiracy to commit subversion” over the holding of unofficial pre-election primaries in July 2020.

The case is at the centre of the Hong Kong and Beijing governments’ crackdown on opposition and dissent in the city after the mass pro-democracy protests in 2019.

The accused people include legal academic Mr. Benny Tai, former lawmakers Ms. Claudia Mo and Mr. Au Nok-hin, as well as well-known activists Mr. Leung Kwok-hung, Mr. Joshua Wong, and Mr. Lester Shum.

The trial began with the court reading out the charge and formally taking pleas from 18 defendants. All 18 stated that they would plead not guilty except former district councillor Mr. Ng Kin-wai and merchant Mr. Mike Lam.

Mr. Ng, who indicated his intention to change his plea to guilty in November 2022, informed the three judges that “I did not succeed in subverting the state’s power. I plead guilty.” Mr. Lam also officially confirmed that he pleaded guilty to the charge after informing the court of such an intention in December 2022.

Former legislator Mr. Leung stated in court that there was “no crime to admit” when he reiterated his not guilty plea.

Those who have pleaded guilty will not be sentenced until after the trial, which is expected to last 90 days.

The case was widely condemned by human rights and legal groups, which accused the government of using the national security law and changes to the justice process to suppress dissent.

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