Nine pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have been found guilty of public nuisance charges for their role in a civil disobedience movement that called for free elections in the city.
Among them are three prominent activists, seen as figureheads of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
They could be jailed for up to seven years for their part in the “Umbrella Movement” protests of 2014.
Thousands marched demanding the right for Hong Kong to choose its own leader.
Those convicted include the so-called “Occupy trio” – sociology professor Chan Kin-man, 60, law professor Benny Tai, 54, and Baptist minister Chu Yiu-ming, 75.
They are seen as the founders of the movement that galvanised protesters in their campaign of civil disobedience.
“No matter what happens today… we will persist on and do not give up,” Mr Tai told reporters ahead of the verdict.
It is not yet clear when the group will be sentenced.
Mr Tai and Mr Chan were both found guilty of two charges of public nuisance.Mr Chu was found guilty of one charge of public nuisance.
Of the other six activists, five were found guilty of two public nuisances charges, with one found guilty of the sole public nuisance charge he faced.
A large crowd gathered outside the court on Thursday to support the nine activists.
