The demonstrations in Hong Kong

Two out of 14 were freed: "I'm not the one who should be in the center"

Two activists were acquitted in the major case involving a total of 47 people who had been active in democracy protests and were charged in 2021, the BBC reports.

One of those acquitted is Lee Yue-shun who made a brief statement upon his release. He thanked for the consideration over the years and said he could not comment on the verdict but that he feels at peace.

- Right now I want to meet my family and eat dim sum.

The accused lawyer Lawrence Lau has also been acquitted.

- I should not be in the center today, I hope you can continue to follow my friends in this case, he said and urged everyone to read the verdicts.

According to the charges, which are based on security laws imposed by China, 47 people have tried to subvert society by holding an unofficial election. The majority of the defendants have confessed, which can result in lighter sentences. 16 who denied have gone through a long trial and 14 were sentenced today.

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Democracy activists are sentenced for violating "security laws"

A court in Hong Kong has sentenced 14 democracy activists for violating the controversial Chinese security laws, international media reports. They have been accused of trying to arrange an alternative election.

The case is the largest of its kind since the law was introduced in 2020 and those convicted risk life imprisonment. Previously, 31 activists have pleaded guilty to the charges, which could result in lighter sentences.

Among the convicted and accused are democratically elected politicians, trade union leaders and academics.

Rights groups and legal experts have pointed out that the accused did not receive a fair trial.