Four Hong Kong activists released on bail after prosecutors withdraw appeal in national security case

Four Hong Kong democracy activists have been released from custody after prosecutors withdrew an appeal against a court decision to grant them bail.

It follows marathon hearings this week in a case that has triggered global concern that Beijing is using a new security law to crush dissent and wipe out meaningful opposition in the former British colony.

The four are part of a group of 47 activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion.

The case is the most sweeping use yet of the law, which imposes…