Hong Kong police detained 47 pro-democracy activists on Sunday in the largest charge against demonstrators since the city’s national security law came into effect last June.
The activists who were arrested were previously detained in a police operation in January but were released. In the latest arrest, the police accused demonstrators of conspiracy to commit subversion under the law. Those who have been detained again are expected to appear in court on Monday.
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Police say the defendants, which include 39 men and eight women aged between 23 and 64, allegedly violated the law by participating in unofficial election primaries for Hong Kong’s legislature last year, according to the Associated Press.
Pro-democracy demonstrators held the primaries to determine the best candidates to field to win a majority in the legislature, which could help vote down bills that would prompt Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam to resign.
Last month, 55 activists and former lawmakers were arrested over their roles in the primaries, with authorities claiming their participation in the plan was to paralyze the city’s legislature and overthrow state power.
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Hong Kong’s national security law includes criminal penalties for four unique types of violations, including separatism, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign entities.
Those who violate the law are often subjected to harsh prison sentences. Organizers of crimes can be given a life sentence in prison.
