Hong Kong's largest national security trial to begin with 47 in dock

In this file photo taken on Sept 19, 2021 a protester stands behind a mock jail with photos of the 47 pro-democracy figures who will stand trial on Feb 6. - AFP

HONG KONG (AFP): the trial of 47 of Hong Kong's most prominent pro-democracy figures begins on Monday (Feb 6), in the largest prosecution under a national security law that has crushed dissent in the city.

The proceedings are expected to last more than four months, and the defendants face sentences of up to life imprisonment if convicted.