On April 29, 2025, four prominent pro-democracy lawmakers—Claudia Mo, Kwok Ka-ki, Jeremy Tam, and Gary Fan—were released from Hong Kong prisons after serving more than four years for their roles in the 2020 unofficial primary elections. Their release marks the first among the group known as the “Hong Kong 47,” who were charged under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law.
Background: The “Hong Kong 47” and the 2020 Primaries
In July 2020, ahead of the Legislative Council elections, 47 pro-democracy activists organized unofficial primary elections to select candidates likely to win seats. The initiative aimed to maximize the opposition’s chances of securing a majority in the legislature. However, authorities deemed this move as an attempt to subvert state power. In early 2021, the 47 individuals were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under the National Security Law.
Sentencing and Incarceration
Among the 47, Claudia Mo, Kwok Ka-ki, Jeremy Tam, and Gary Fan pleaded guilty to the charges. In November 2024, they were each sentenced to four years and two months in prison. Their sentences took into account time already served, as they had been denied bail and remained in custody since their arrests in early 2021.
Release Amid Tight Security
The release of the four lawmakers was conducted under stringent security measures. They were transported from separate prisons across Hong Kong in vehicles with closed curtains, and media access was heavily restricted. Family members expressed relief at their return but indicated that the former lawmakers would not be making public statements at this time.
Implications for Hong Kong’s Political Landscape
The imprisonment and subsequent release of these lawmakers underscore the significant shifts in Hong Kong’s political environment since the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020. Critics argue that the law has been used to suppress dissent and curtail freedoms promised under the “one country, two systems” framework. The case of the “Hong Kong 47” has drawn international attention, with various governments and human rights organizations expressing concern over the erosion of civil liberties in the region.
Looking Ahead
While the release of Mo, Kwok, Tam, and Fan brings a measure of closure to their individual cases, the broader issues concerning political freedom and civil rights in Hong Kong remain unresolved. The remaining members of the “Hong Kong 47” continue to face legal challenges, and the city’s pro-democracy movement confronts ongoing restrictions under the current legal framework.
