Hong Kong Court of Appeal grants 11 jailed activists right to appeal to top court

The Hong Kong Court of Appeal has endorsed a final attempt by 11 jailed pro-democracy activists and politicians to clear their names. The appellants were previously convicted of conspiracy to commit subversion in the landmark "Hong Kong 47" national security case.

In a written judgment, the appellate judges identified five legal issues that warrant further scrutiny by the Court of Final Appeal. The court noted these issues are of "great and general importance" because they address the boundary between criminal conduct and the constitutional duties, powers, and functions of a lawmaker. The case stems from an unofficial legislative primary election held in 2020, which authorities characterized as a "grand strategy of subversion" aimed at paralyzing the Legislative Council.

While the Court of Appeal has issued a certificate for the activists to take their case to the city's apex court, the Court of Final Appeal must still decide whether to permit the appellants to advance their case.