Hong Kong pro-democracy activists defiant after guilty verdicts
Judge rules that nine leaders of the 2014 Occupy movement conspired to commit a public nuisance
Hong Kong — A Hong Kong court on Tuesday found nine leaders of the 2014 pro-democracy Occupy movement guilty of public nuisance during the mass protests, in a landmark verdict as freedoms in the city ruled by mainland China come under strain. Scores of supporters applauded the defendants, who included a law professor, two legislators and former student activists, after a trial that critics say saidhighlighted the decline of political freedoms in the former British colony. Law professor Benny Tai, 54, retired sociologist Chan Kin-man, 60, and retired pastor Chu Yiu-ming, 75, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit public nuisance over their leading role in planning and mobilising supporters during the 79-day protest. The trio had pleaded not guilty to all charges, which carry a maximum jail term of seven years each. The judge did not immediately hand down sentences, and the defendants have not said if they planned to appeal. “I am determined to fight for Hong Kong with one last eff...
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