Thread by @nathanlawkc

1. 47 democratic activists are charged with "conspiracy to subvert state power" and will appear in court tomorrow. All of them are remanded in custody.
It's heartbroken to witness such massive persecution. Let me explain what has happened and why it's an insult towards democracy

2. The police arrested 55 democratic figures last month with the National Security Law due to their participation or organization of a primary election last July, preparing for the 2020 legislative council election. The election is postponed, and the candidates are being hunted.

3. The logic of the arrests is as follows: democratic figures participate in a primary, the primary aims at getting a majority in council and blocking government's bills if necessary, and this act is a subversive act because it obstructs the operation of the government.

4. You got it right — anyone who opposes govt's bill in Hong Kong now can be seen as violating NSL. Same as chanting certain slogans and showing some signs. Laws are weaponized to suppress the most basic human rights in Hong Kong. Freedom of expression has been quashed.

5. There are specific judges and courts arranged for the NSL cases. Needless to say, these judges are handpicked by Beijing and mostly serving CCP's interest. Bails can be denied at a shallow threshold. They can face up to life-long imprisonment or being extradited to China.

6. From previous experience, the chance of these 47 figures getting bailed tomorrow is dim. Most likely, they will be detained for months until the next hearing. If they are convicted, they are likely going to be jailed for years long. Many of them are my dearest friends.

7. It's extremely devastating to see the deterioration of Hong Kong. I urge the international community to treat this case as another blatant attack of the CCP on the people of HK and the rule of law, and to adopt necessary ACTIONS to hold the government accountable.
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