A Hong Kong court convicted seven prominent figures in Hong Kong’s fight for democracy Thursday, finding them guilty of taking part and organizing an unauthorized anti-government protest in 2019. Media tycoon Jimmy Lai and Hong Kong barrister, 82 year-old Martin Lee, were among the five other former lawmakers convicted -- a verdict that is just the latest in China’s crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong, first reported the South China Morning Post. But following strict crackdowns, particularly over the last year, the National People's Congress (NPC) has vastly changed how Hong Kong is able to operate. But Beijing has revised liberties enjoyed in Hong Kong through the NPC’s Standing Committee, drawing fierce backlash from the international community. Hua added that the changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system "ensures greater democracy in a balanced way, which serves the overall, fundamental and long-term interest of the Hong Kong society."

Source: Fox News April 02, 2021 00:22 UTC