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Forty-five prominent activists in Hong Kong were handed jail sentences of up to 10 years on Tuesday, igniting strong criticism from numerous foreign governments and human rights organizations. In response, Beijing has staunchly defended the decisions. The activists were part of a group of 47 charged under a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2021, following their involvement in an unofficial primary election aimed at selecting opposition candidates. Accusations were made against them for plotting to veto government budgets indiscriminately, potentially gaining a legislative majority to force the dissolution of the legislature and subsequently oust the city's leader.

The case involved a wide array of pro-democracy figures. Of the 47 accused, 31 pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit subversion, while 14 were convicted after a protracted trial. Two were acquitted. This case is considered the largest national security case in Hong Kong since the law's imposition.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed serious concerns regarding the sentences, particularly noting the case of Australian citizen Gordon Ng among the activists. Wong highlighted that Australia has raised strong objections to the broad application of national security legislation by Chinese and Hong Kong authorities. Similarly, Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific for Britain's Foreign Office, condemned the sentencing, calling it a clear example of Hong Kong authorities criminalizing political dissent.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended the judicial decisions, emphasizing that no one should use the guise of democracy to engage in illegal activities and evade justice. Lin added that Western countries were being hypocritical for maintaining their own national security through judicial procedures while unfairly criticizing Hong Kong courts for implementing the law equitably.

In a statement, the European Union called the sentencing "another unprecedented blow" to Hong Kong's fundamental freedoms, democratic participation, and pluralism. The EU expressed deep concern over what it described as politically motivated prosecution of peaceful political activities, suggesting that such activities should be legitimate in any system that respects basic democratic principles.

Hong Kong leader John Lee asserted that the verdict clearly demonstrated that the activists' plan aimed to undermine the city’s political system. He, along with Security Minister Chris Tang, emphasized that the case was handled in strict accordance with the law and that the sentences reflect the severity of the offenses. Tang added that national security is crucial to safeguarding Hong Kong's prosperity.

Taiwan presidential office spokesperson Karen Kuo condemned the Chinese government, arguing that democracy is not a crime and accusing Beijing of using unjust procedures to stifle political participation and freedom of speech. She claimed that the actions violate the promises of "50 years unchanged" and "a high degree of autonomy," proving the infeasibility of "one country, two systems."

Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, echoed these concerns, stating that the use of the security law criminalizes conduct protected by human rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Additionally, the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong condemned the sentences, calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners involved in what they described as normal political activities protected under the city's mini-constitution. In Washington, D.C., bipartisan chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission also criticized the sentencing, urging wide condemnation and calling on the Biden administration to impose sanctions on those responsible for undermining democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.