4 former Hong Kong lawmakers freed after years in prison under a Beijing-imposed security law
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Hong Kong Frees First Four Lawmakers in Subversion Case
Above: Claudia Mo (centre L) leads a small protest at the police headquarters in Hong Kong on June 15, 2019. Image copyright: Richard Brooks/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
This case highlights the severe consequences pro-democracy advocates face for exercising their democratic rights. The harsh sentences under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law highlight how authorities have systematically dismantled Hong Kong's civil liberties and crushed legitimate political opposition, effectively ending the Western-style freedoms promised to the city for 50 years.
Pro-China narrative
The National Security Law has successfully restored stability to Hong Kong following the chaotic and destructive protests of 2019. It is necessary to maintain order and ensure the proper functioning of the government under the "one country, two systems" framework. Anyone threatening to paralyze the government and create a constitutional crisis will be detained and forced to face Hong Kong's legal system.