Four Hong Kong pro-democracy activists were released from prison Tuesday after completing their sentences for conspiring to subvert state power in a high-profile national security case. 

Former lawmakers Kwok Ka-ki, Jeremy Tam Man-ho, Gary Fan Kwok-wai, and Claudia Mo Man-ching, all key figures in the 2020 "35+" subversion case, walked free after serving four years and two months behind bars.

The four were among 47 activists charged under the national security law for their roles in an alleged plot to paralyze the legislature by indiscriminately vetoing budgets, aiming to pressure the government into meeting their political demands. 

Among them, 31 pleaded guilty, while 14 of the 16 who denied the charges were convicted, with only two acquitted. 

The freed four were among those who admitted guilt early, receiving reduced sentences and thus serving the shortest prison terms.

All four had been in custody since their arrest on February 28, 2021, and were sentenced on November 19, 2024.

Kwok and Tam were released from Stanley Prison early on Tuesday, while Fan and Mo exited Shek Pik Prison and Lo Wu Correctional Institution, respectively.

Dozens of journalists gathered outside Stanley Prison overnight as police officers maintained order. 

At around 4am, several private vehicles entered the prison compound. At 5.45am, two cars departed, followed by four more at 6am. Kwok and Tam are believed to have left in those vehicles.

At Shek Pik Prison, two cars entered shortly after 5am and left together at 5.48am, with Fan reportedly inside. 

He was escorted by police to his home in Tseung Kwan O, where two female relatives greeted him with an embrace. When asked about his feelings, Fan simply said, "Thank you for the media's concern. I’m going home to reunite with my family.”

Meanwhile, three cars with drawn curtains left Lo Wu Correctional Institution at 5.52am, presumably carrying Mo. 

They later arrived at her residence in Repulse Bay. Her husband answered the door, confirming her return but stating she needed rest and would not speak to the press. "We are calm," he said. "Now, we need time to readjust to life together."

The case stemmed from a 2020 political strategy known as the "35+ subversion," spearheaded by legal scholar Benny Tai Yiu-ting. The plan aimed to secure a pro-democracy majority in Hong Kong’s Legislative Council to block budgets and force concessions from the government, including demands from the 2019 anti-government protests.

During the trial, judges ruled that the activists’ actions, if successful, would have created a constitutional crisis by destabilizing Hong Kong's governance.

(Ayra Wang)