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Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists Charged for Leading Umbrella Revolution

By
Casey Quackenbush
Casey Quackenbush
,
TIME
TIME
and
Michelle Toh
Michelle Toh
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Casey Quackenbush
Casey Quackenbush
,
TIME
TIME
and
Michelle Toh
Michelle Toh
Down Arrow Button Icon
July 21, 2016, 1:24 AM ET
HONG KONG-CHINA-POLITICS-DEMOCRACY
Pro-democracy political activists and members of the Demosisto party (L to R) Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow, speak as they arrive at the Eastern Court in Hong Kong on July 21, 2016. The three were to face a court verdict over charges related to a protest leading up to pro-democracy rallies in 2014. / AFP / ANTHONY WALLACE (Photo credit should read ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images)ANTHONY WALLACE/ AFP/ Getty Images

This article originally appeared on Time.com.

Pro-democracy leaders Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow were found guilty on Thursday morning of charges relating to a protest in September 2014. The protest ultimately triggered a citywide occupation by thousands of students and supporters, which paralyzed much of Hong Kong for 79 days.

Wong was acquitted of the charge of inciting an unlawful assembly but convicted of the lesser charge of partaking in it, as was Chow. Law was convicted of inciting an unlawful assembly.

Surrounded by trademark cyan blue banners of their center-left party Demosistō — which seeks self-determination for Hong Kong — and joined by dozens of supporters outside the Eastern Magistrates’ Court, the three delivered speeches prior to the verdict and said they would “fight until the people enjoy universal suffrage.” They added that they were prepared for jail.

See also: Joshua Wong on Fortune’s The World’s 50 Greatest Leaders

The convictions against the three activists relate to a protest on Sept. 26, 2014, calling for Hongkongers to be given the right to directly nominate and elect the region’s top official through universal suffrage. (Currently that official is vetted by Beijing and selected by a small electoral college.)

The protest, which saw police respond with tear gas after some 200 students stormed a barricaded square outside Hong Kong’s main government offices, kicked off the movement that became known as the Umbrella Revolution.

Hong Kong Students Stage A Rally To Mark One Month Since Protests Began
The main protest site of the Umbrella Revolution, on October 28, 2014. (Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images)

 

Wong told a crowd of reporters that he disagreed with the outcome of the trial.

“Everyone should be ensured and gain the right to participate in freedom of assembly,” he said. “It’s the human right of every citizen that lives in Hong Kong.”

For more on international human rights, watch this video:

 

Last month, Law and Wong were both cleared of obstruction charges relating to the same protests, which they argued were politically motivated. Law is due to stand in forthcoming elections to the Hong Kong legislature.

Judge June Cheung said that sentencing on the newer charges would be made on Aug. 15.

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By Casey Quackenbush
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