China has intensified a crackdown on supporters of Hong Kong pro-democracy demonstrations by charging an activist with “inciting subversion” after he posted messages of support for the protests on the internet.
Wang Mo, a political activist and construction industry entrepreneur in southern China, could face up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted of the charges, which are regularly used to silence peaceful dissidents and critics of the ruling Communist party.
More than 100 activists across mainland China have been detained for showing support for the Hong Kong pro-democracy demonstrations since they began on September 26 and at least 33 are still being held, according to Amnesty International.