Hong Kong court sentences 3 Tiananmen vigil organizers to prison

A court in Hong Kong has recently **sentenced** three people to prison. These individuals were prominent **activists** who organized an annual vigil. This vigil commemorated the Tiananmen Square events from many years ago.

The court gave them prison terms lasting between approximately five and seven years. For a long time, Hong Kong was the only place in China where people could openly hold this vigil. It was an important symbol of the city's freedoms and its special status under the 'one country, two systems' rule.

Many people see this court case as a clear sign that freedoms in Hong Kong are **eroding**. Beijing, the capital of China, has been increasing its control over Hong Kong. This judgment is viewed as a major step in the government's effort to stop dissent, causing concerns among residents and international observers about the future of civil liberties in the city.