A Hong Kong court has sentenced dozens of pro-democracy leaders to years in jail for subversion. All but two of the so-called Hong Kong 47 were jailed in the biggest trial yet under a sweeping national security law imposed by China shortly after explosive pro-democracy protests in 2019. A day later, influential pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai testified in a trial that could see him spend the rest of his life behind bars. So what does the future look like for the city’s pro-democracy movement? On today's episode, Sumi Somaskanda speaks to Danny Vincent, a BBC reporter in Hong Kong who has been following the lives of the protesters since 2019. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran, Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Mike Regaard and Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Alice Aylett Roberts Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk.
You are actually radioactive and everything alive is.
Unexpected elements from the BBC World Service.
Search for unexpected elements wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
Hello, I'm Sumi Somaskanda in Washington D.C.
from the BBC World Service.
This is the global story.
The sentencing of dozens of pro democracy leaders in Hong Kong last week saw the fate of the city soar back up the international agenda.
It was the biggest trial yet under a sweeping National Security law imposed by China.
Shortly after explosive pro democracy protests in the city in 2019, 45 of the so called Hong Kong 47 were jailed with their involvement in organizing a primary for opposition election candidates characterized as subversion.
A day later, influential pro democracy figure Jimmy Lai testified in a trial that could see him spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Fear is the most inexpensive and convenient way of ruling people and controlling people.
So how has the National Security Law changed life in Hong Kong?
Why were these activists convicted?
And what does the future look like for the city's pro democracy movement?
With me today is BBC reporter Danny Vincent in Hong Kong.
Hi Danny.
Hello.
Thanks for joining us.
I want to start with the Hong Kong 47.