Forty-five well-known politicians and activists were convicted in May of "conspiracy to subvert the state power" for holding an unofficial primary in 2020 as part of a bid to secure a pro-democracy majority in the city's legislature in an upcoming election.
The straw poll took place the year after Hong Kong saw months of massive democracy protests that were eventually quashed by authorities, with Beijing imposing a national security law on the city to snuff out dissent.
After judges ruled the group would have created "a constitutional crisis" had they won the election, the defendants have been in mitigation hearings since June to plead for lenient sentences.
But two of the defendants sounded a defiant tone on Tuesday, with veteran activist and ex-lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung -- better known as "Long Hair" -- telling the court "human rights are higher than political power".
"'Power to the people' is a belief that I have adhered to throughout my life," the 68-year-old wrote in his mitigation letter.
"Although I am a prisoner today, I have no complaint... I hope Hong Kong people never lose or forget, fight for democracy and uphold justice!"
The letter was published online by the League of Social Democrats, one of Hong Kong's last remaining opposition parties, which Leung had co-founded.
Young activist Ng Kin-wai -- who had pleaded guilty -- was asked by the judge if he had "no remorse", which Ng affirmed.
"I am willing to take responsibility for what I did, but I will not apologise for the beliefs and values I share with my voters," the 28-year-old former district councillor said in court.
Ng said he joined the unofficial primary because he wanted a "peaceful, rational and nonviolent" way to realise his dream of "a free, equal and inclusive society with a democratic system".
In response, presiding judge Andrew Chan told Ng "the discount (in sentencing) you are entitled will be significantly less than the others".
All 45 face up to life in prison for the subversion charge, but a date has not been set for sentencing.
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