HK frees MPs jailed over 2021 protest

Hundreds remain in prison after 4 years

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Several former Hong Kong opposition lawmakers jailed in the city’s largest national security case were released yesterday after over four years in prison, the first among dozens convicted last year to regain their freedom.

Ex-legislators Claudia Mo, Jeremy Tam, Kwok Ka-ki and Gary Fan were part of a group of 47 public figures — including some of Hong Kong's best-known democracy advocates — were charged with subversion in 2021 for holding an informal primary election.

The case fell under a national security law imposed on the city by Beijing and drew international condemnation and warnings about Hong Kong's declining freedoms and tolerance of dissent.

Ms Mo, Mr Tam, Mr Kwok and Mr Fan had been kept in custody since 2021 and were each sentenced to four years and two months behind bars after they pleaded guilty.

All four were taken out of prison just before sunrise yesterday in cars with curtains drawn.

Speaking outside his home, Ms Mo's husband Philip Bowring said the ex-lawmaker was resting and not in a position to speak to the media.