Hong Kong democracy leaders defiant as landmark trial wraps up

FILE PHOTO: (L-R) Pro-democracy activists Chung Yiu-wa, Cheung Sau-yin, Lee Wing-tat, Chu Yiu-ming, Benny Tai, Chan Kin-man, Tanya Chan, Shiu Ka-chun and Raphael Wong pose outside a court in Hong Kong, China November 19, 2018. REUTERS/Bobby Yip/File Photo

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong democracy leaders pledged on Friday to sustain their fight for full democracy at the end of a month-long trial that could see them jailed for leading and inciting 2014 protests against what they see as Beijing's unjust curbs on freedom.

Nine defendants face a maximum seven years in jail for each of various charges that include conspiracy to commit public nuisance and incitement to commit public nuisance. A verdict is expected on April 9.