Authorities have detained 53 people, ranging from young activists to political veterans, over an unofficial election primary
Hong Kong authorities arrested 53 people on Wednesday in an unprecedented crackdown over an unofficial election primary organised by pro-democracy parties last year. It was the largest mass arrest since the introduction of the national security law (NSL) in June. The group, accused of subversion and facing penalties of up to life in prison, included legislators and candidates, campaigners, pollsters, students and lawyers, ranging from young people to political veterans. The following are some of those reported to be arrested.
Benny Tai is a well-known activist and legal scholar, and co-organiser of the poll that drew 600,000 people out to vote. Tai had warned of a backlash at the time of the polls, saying “everyone must be mentally prepared”.
