Two individuals who previously organized Hong Kong’s annual vigil honoring the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown have been found guilty in a national security case brought about by a law imposed by China. Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, former leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, were convicted for allegedly inciting subversion under the national security law. They faced a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. The alliance itself was also convicted.
The judges determined that the alliance’s advocacy to “end one-party dictatorship” was not merely a call for the ruling Communist Party to return to a multi-party system as per the constitution, but rather to eliminate the party’s leadership under the constitution. They interpreted the term “end” in the context as meaning “overthrowing” and “undermining.”
Despite the introduction of the law, the defendants continued with their advocacy, disregarding its conflict with the constitution, which states the party’s leadership is a fundamental aspect of socialism with Chinese characteristics. According to the judges, this behavior fell within the category of “other unlawful means” under the security law.
This verdict is part of the ongoing crackdown on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement by authorities from both Hong Kong and mainland China. The yearly candlelight vigil organized by the alliance, which used to attract tens of thousands of attendees to mourn the Tiananmen Square victims, was banned in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent imposition of the security law by Beijing.
Lee and Chow, who are awaiting sentencing, smiled and waved to the public gallery as they left the courtroom. Their trial is seen as emblematic of the diminishing freedom of expression in the region since its handover to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.
The trial, initially set for 75 days, concluded much sooner than anticipated, ending with closing statements on the 24th day. Another defendant, Albert Ho, had pleaded guilty at the start of the trial, a move that could lead to a reduced sentence. The judges have yet to provide the reasons behind the conviction.
The convictions of Lee and Chow have sparked mixed reactions among supporters and observers, with many expressing doubts about the allegations and the fairness of the legal process. The crackdown on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement has led to the dissolution of various civil society groups, including the alliance, as part of the significant political changes in the region.
Despite the challenges faced by activists and advocates for democracy in Hong Kong, many continue to stand up for their beliefs amid growing restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly in the city.