Hong Kong top court frees pro-democracy leaders

Hong Kong’s highest court on Tuesday reversed an earlier ruling to scrap jail sentences of three young pro-democracy activists, warning the trio that acts of civil disobedience in future would be met with stern response.

Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow were awarded jail terms ranging from six to eight months in August for their role in sparking the “Umbrella Movement” that brought the city to a standstill for 11 weeks in 2014, writes The Guardian.

Hong Kong government has been accused of passively following Beijing’s instructions as China continues to stifle dissent in the city and interfere in its internal affairs, notes Reuters.