Hong Kong Political Prisoners: Systematic Mass Detention Under Security Laws
The Scale and Scope of Political Imprisonment
Since June 2020, Hong Kong has transformed into a state with systematic political imprisonment. As of December 31, 2024, a record 40.2 percent of Hong Kong’s prison population remained remanded without conviction—indicating systemic pre-trial imprisonment unprecedented in Hong Kong’s modern history. Hundreds arrested, scores imprisoned, and systematic elimination of pro-democracy leadership characterise Hong Kong’s post-2020 reality. These aren’t people convicted of violence or theft—they are activists, journalists, politicians, and ordinary citizens arrested for expressing pro-democracy views or participating in peaceful protests.
The Legal Architecture Enabling Political Criminalisation
The 2020 National Security Law: Vague and Retroactive Criminalisation
Hong Kong’s National Security Law criminalises “secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces” with ambiguous definitions applicable to any form of political dissent. Penalties range from 3 years to life imprisonment. Most troublingly, in cases where authorities assert national security nexus, there is no expectation of fair trial. National security cases are heard by judges specially designated by the chief executive.
The 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance
In March 2024, Hong Kong enacted the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, further expanding legal threats to political freedoms with sentences reaching 20 years. It expanded police detention powers from 48 hours to 16 days without charge and allowed police to restrict lawyer consultation for 48 hours.
The Hong Kong 47: Criminalising Democratic Participation
An Unofficial Primary Election Becomes Mass Arrest
Forty-seven individuals were charged with subversion under national security law for participating in an unofficial primary election in July 2020. Running for office and voting in party elections became capital crimes. In November 2024, 45 activists received sentences between 4 and 10 years imprisonment for this democratic participation. Some remained in pre-trial detention from January 2021 until sentencing in November 2024—nearly four years without trial.
Jimmy Lai: The Publisher’s Life Sentence
In February 2026, Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai received 20 years imprisonment—the longest sentence yet imposed under national security legislation. His crime: publishing a newspaper supporting democracy. PEN International designated Lai’s case a blatant attempt to silence voices and dismantle independent press freedom.
Statistical Scale: Quantifying Political Imprisonment
The Numbers Tell the Story
A comprehensive count shows 1,932 political prisoners from June 2019 onwards, with conviction rates exceeding 90 percent. According to Human Rights Watch, 91% of those charged under national security legislation since 2020 have been convicted—indicating prosecution effectively equals predetermined guilt.
Extended Pre-Trial Detention: Indefinite Imprisonment Without Trial
The Torture of Uncertainty
Human rights groups called pre-trial detention in national security cases a “form of indefinite detention without trial”. Some detainees spent years awaiting trial with cases repeatedly delayed. Some have been detained without bail despite medical conditions requiring treatment.
Notable Imprisoned Leaders
Joshua Wong: The “Forever Prisoner” Strategy
Pro-democracy leader Joshua Wong, already imprisoned for the 2020 primary election participation, was arrested June 6, 2025, and charged with “collusion with foreign forces” and “money laundering” for 2020 activities. This pattern of layering additional charges demonstrates authorities’ strategy of making selected individuals “forever prisoners”.
Chow Hang-Tung and Academic Activists
Chow Hang-Tung, a human rights lawyer and Tiananmen Square vigil organiser, was arrested for organising Tiananmen commemoration under the new Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in May 2024. Former lawmakers including Albert Ho and Wu Chi-wai have been imprisoned on national security charges.
Conditions of Imprisonment
Reports from released prisoners document harsh conditions and discriminatory treatment. Political prisoners report inadequate healthcare, solitary confinement used as punishment for political expression, and denial of access to legal materials. The prison system itself has become instrument of political suppression.
Conclusion: Political Imprisonment as Totalitarian Control
Hong Kong’s political imprisonment of hundreds represents comprehensive assault on democracy and human rights. These political prisoners embody Hong Kong’s transformation from free society to authoritarian state. Whether through direct imprisonment or pre-trial detention, Hong Kong authorities have weaponised the criminal justice system as instrument of political control. These prisoners represent ongoing resistance to authoritarian consolidation, serving as reminders of international community’s commitment to documenting Hong Kong’s repression and eventual accountability.