In Hong Kong’s largest national security case, a court has convicted 14 democracy activists of subversion while acquitting two. The verdict comes from charges against 47 individuals, with only 16 pleading not guilty. Subversion, carrying a potential life sentence, was the accusation stemming from their alleged organization of an unofficial election in 2021 aimed at “overthrowing” the government. Among those charged are seasoned politicians and student activists, representing a broad spectrum of the city’s pro-democracy movement. These arrests mark a significant crackdown under China’s National Security Law (NSL), implemented in 2020. While Beijing argues the law is vital for Hong Kong’s stability, critics, including rights groups, contend it has severely curtailed civil liberties and instilled a pervasive climate of fear.