Seven members of the “Returning Valiant” group, aged 16 to 26, were charged with “conspiracy to incite subversion of state power” under the Hong Kong national security law (NSL) for organizing street booths and posting on social media. They had all pleaded guilty earlier and it is the very first-time minors under the age of 21 are convicted under the prevailing NSL.
Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said she was shocked by the prison sentence.
On Oct. 8, Kwok Wai-kin, a judge designated to adjudicate national security cases, ruled that the five defendants under the age of 21 will be detained at a correctional facility, while the sentences of the other two were adjourned. According to the case, the seven defendants repeatedly organized street booths, spoke during interviews and live broadcasts, advocating an “armed uprising” to overthrow the government and providing financial assistance to protesters….