Fourteen Hong Kong democrats found guilty in landmark subversion trial

Fourteen Hong Kong pro-democracy activists were found guilty and two were acquitted on Thursday in a landmark subversion trial that critics say could deal another blow to the city’s rule of law and its reputation as a global financial hub.
The verdicts in Hong Kong’s biggest trial against the democratic opposition come more than three years after police arrested 47 democrats in mass dawn raids at homes across the city. They were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under a China-imposed national security law.
Sentencing will come at a later date for those found guilty, with prison terms ranging from three years to life for this national security offence. Thirty-one defendants pleaded guilty, and four of them have become prosecution witnesses.
The U.S. and some other countries have criticised the trial as politically motivated, calling for the accused to be immediately released.
Security was tight around the High Court, where diplomats from the U.S., Britain and Europe have attended proceedings. Scores of police officers and vehicles patrolled the area. Some supporters queued overnight to secure a spot.