BBC World News: Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong were jailed for up to 18 months

5 well-known pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong were jailed for up to 18 months today (16 April 2021) and 4 were given suspended sentences, for their involvement in one of the largest 2019 protests in the city.

Speaking to BBC World News about the effect these sentences have on the wider pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, Benedict Rogers, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Watch said: "The effect is very significant. These are the moderate and respected elderly pro-democracy leaders. The sentences will have a chilling effect but will also anger people. The aim [of the sentences] is clearly to snuff out dissent but it may well infuriate people in the city."