Hong Kong Top Court Overturns Prison Sentences for Activists

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, left, and Nathan Law, right, speak outside the high court before an ruling on a prosecution request for stiffer sentences following a lower court decision that let them avoid prison, in August in Hong Kong. Photo: Vincent Yu / Associated Press

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s highest court has overturned prison sentences for three young pro-democracy activists convicted for their roles in kicking off 2014’s “Umbrella Movement” protests in the semiautonomous Chinese city.

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A panel of judges sided Tuesday with Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow in their appeal against monthslong prison terms for unlawful assembly.

The Court of Final Appeal’s ruling was a stunning victory for the city’s youthful opposition movement after recent setbacks, including one candidate’s disqualification from an upcoming election.

The case sparked controversy because a magistrate initially gave the three lenient sentences but the justice secretary requested a review that resulted in prison time ranging from six to eight months, raising worries about judicial independence and rule of law.

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