Four former opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong were released after serving just over four years in prison. They were among 47 people arrested under Beijing's national security law for organizing an unofficial primary election in 2020. Their release marks the first among 45 convictions. The case sparked international criticism, but Hong Kong and Beijing insist the law is applied fairly.

Four former opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong have been released from prison after completing their sentences. They were among 47 people arrested under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, and are the first of the 45 convicted to be released.

Each of the four had pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years and two months in prison. They had been in custody since March 2021 and were given the lightest punishment among the group. On the day of their release, they were transported from prison in vehicles with the windows covered.

The arrests were made following widespread pro-democracy protests in 2019. Authorities accused the group of subversion, claiming they conspired to undermine state power by organizing an unofficial primary election. Their goal, according to prosecutors, was to gain control of the legislature and block the government’s budget.

The case has drawn international criticism. Several Western governments described the sentences as politically motivated, and the United Nations Human Rights Office voiced concern about the fairness of the proceedings.

Officials in Hong Kong and Beijing maintain that the law is applied fairly and that the legal process was just. As of April, 322 people had been arrested under the law, with 163 convictions recorded.