Hong Kong’s highest court has overturned prison sentences for three young pro-democracy activists convicted for their roles in the “Umbrella Movement” protests.
HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s highest court on Tuesday overturned prison sentences for three young pro-democracy activists convicted for their roles in kicking off 2014’s “Umbrella Movement” protests.
A panel of judges sided with Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow in their appeal against months-long prison terms for unlawful assembly.
The Court of Final Appeal’s ruling was a stunning victory for semi-autonomous Chinese city’s youthful opposition movement after recent setbacks, including one candidate’s disqualification from an upcoming election.
The case sparked controversy because a magistrate initially gave the three lenient sentences but the justice secretary requested a review that resulted in prison time ranging from six to eight months, raising worries about judicial independence and rule of law.
Wong, 21, Law, 24, and Chow, 27, had already served about two months of their sentences when they were bailed.
