HONG KONG (AP) — In a landmark national security case in Hong Kong, fourteen pro-democracy activists were convicted for their involvement in an unofficial primary election. The court found the activists guilty of conspiracy to commit subversion, which could result in a sentence of up to life in prison for some. This case marks a significant crackdown on dissent in the city following the 2019 protest movement.

The activists were accused of attempting to manipulate the legislative process in Hong Kong by securing a majority to veto budgets, which the court deemed subversive. The court’s verdict highlighted that such actions could undermine the government’s authority and lead to a constitutional crisis in Hong Kong.

Among the activists convicted were former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Helena Wong, and Raymond Chan. The court also acquitted two former district councilors. The verdict outlined the serious repercussions of attempting to paralyze the government through legislative means.

Critics of the security law have expressed concerns over its use to stifle political opposition and silence dissent in the city. The convictions have raised alarms about the erosion of civil liberties promised to Hong Kong following its handover to China in 1997.

The court’s decision has sparked strong reactions from human rights organizations, with some calling the mass convictions unprecedented and a violation of democratic principles. Activists and supporters gathered outside the court, awaiting the verdict and voicing their discontent with the legal proceedings.

The case originated from an unofficial primary in 2020 that aimed to select pro-democracy candidates for the official election. The high voter turnout in the primary signaled widespread support for democratic principles in Hong Kong. However, subsequent changes to electoral laws favored pro-Beijing candidates, shifting the political landscape in the city.

Overall, the convictions underscore the ongoing challenges faced by pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong and raise questions about the future of political dissent in the region. The court’s decision is likely to have far-reaching implications for civil liberties and political freedoms in the city.