Court of Appeal to hear key appeals in subversion case

The Court of Appeal has scheduled a hearing on July 14 to address applications from 14 convicted defendants who are appealing their convictions and prison sentences in the high-profile 35+ subversion case.

In addition to these appeals, the court will also consider the Department of Justice’s appeal against one of the two acquitted defendants, Lawrence Lau Wai-chung.

These 14 defendants were part of a larger group of 45 individuals convicted in the 35+ subversion case, with sentences ranging from four to 10 years handed down last November. Among them are 12 who were convicted after trial and are contesting their sentences, including prominent figures such as Lam Cheuk-ting, Owen Chow Ka-shing, Gordon Ng Ching-hang, Gwyneth Ho Kwai-lam, Winnie Yu Wai-ming, Kalvin Ho Kai-ming, Raymond Chan Chi-chuen, Helena Wong Pik-wan, Tat Cheng Tat-hung, Clarisse Yeung Suet-ying, Michael Pang Cheuk-kei, and activist "long hair" Leung Kwok-hung.

In 2020, 45 individuals participated in an unofficial "primary election," aimed at securing at least 35 seats in the 70-seat Legislative Council. National security judges Andrew Chan Hing-wai, Alex Lee Wan-tang, and Johnny Chan Jong-herng said in their judgment that this unofficial primary was part of a broader plot to "undermine, destroy, or overthrow" the government.

Also, two of the 31 defendants who pleaded guilty -- activist "Fast Beat" Tam Tak-chi and Prince Wong Ji-yuet -- are also appealing their sentences.

(Eunice Lam)