The Hong Kong 47 case marks one of the most significant political prosecutions under the National Security Law (NSL). In January 2021, 47 pro-democracy figures were arrested for organizing an unofficial primary election, which authorities claimed was a plot to subvert state power.
Since the 2019 protests, Hong Kong’s legal autonomy under “one country, two systems” has eroded rapidly. The NSL, along with the new Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), has expanded the scope of political repression—broadening definitions of sedition, tightening penalties, and curbing early release for political prisoners. Cases like the Hong Kong 47 and media tycoon Jimmy Lai’s trial highlight the judiciary’s increasing alignment with political objectives. The SNSO also grants the Chief Executive sweeping powers to classify state secrets, effectively criminalizing dissent and international advocacy.
In this context, the Asia Democracy Network (ADN) and Lady Liberty Hong Kong hosted the webinar The Hong Kong 47 and the Erosion of Rule of Law under the National Security Law in March 2025. This brief summarizes the key insights from that discussion.
