The high-profile trial of 17 Hong Kong pro-democracy figures begins – more than two years after the defendants were arrested.

Among those on trial are prominent pro-democracy lawmakers.

They have denied playing a part in an alleged conspiracy to commit subversion over unofficial primary elections.

The alleged conspiracy centres on unofficial legislative primary elections held in July 2020, which aimed to help the pro-democracy camp select candidates for an upcoming Legislative Council election.

The trial is expected to last 90 days.

The 17 pro-democracy figures are part of the larger group of 47 prominent politicians and activists who were arrested under the national security law.

Most of them have been detained since their bail applications were rejected.

The 17 people in this trial are the ones who pleaded not guilty.

30 defendants, among the 47 charged, have pleaded guilty and are awaiting mitigation and sentencing.

The three judges have yet to decide whether the democrats will face penalty before or after the trial of the 17 who denied the charge.

Aljazeera.