Protesters swamp Hong Kong court after pro-democracy figures charged

British consulate general among crowds outside court voicing their opposition to latest crackdown

• Endure, everyone': final messages from Hong Kong democracy figures before detention

About 1,000 people have gathered outside a Hong Kong court where 47 pro-democracy candidates, campaigners and activists faced charges of conspiracy to commit subversion under the national security law.

The group is accused of organising and participating in an unofficial primary poll in July last year aimed at selecting the strongest candidates for a legislative council election that the government later postponed, citing the coronavirus. Authorities said the informal poll was part of a plan to overthrow" the government.