19h ago
The national security law was imposed following months of rallies that began over a proposed China extradition law and expanded to include demands for greater democracy.
The law prompted complaints Beijing is undermining the “high degree of autonomy” promised when the former British colony returned to China in 1997, and hurting its status as a business centre.
People convicted of subversion or other offences under the law can face penalties of up to life in prison.
Hong Kong traditionally grants bail for non-violent offences but the new law says bail cannot be granted unless a judge believes the defendant “will not continue to commit acts endangering national security.”
On Friday, four of the 47 people charged were released on bail after prosecutors dropped a challenge to the decision.
The group due to appear in court Thursday includes former legislators Helena Wong, Jeremy Tam and Kwok Ka-ki.
The next hearing for the 47 defendants is May 31.
The Associated Press

This data comes from MediaIntel.Asia's Media Intelligence and Media Monitoring Platform.