Two ex-organizers of Hong Kong’s long-standing vigil commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown were found guilty in a national security case under a law imposed by China that effectively suppressed the city’s once robust pro-democracy movement.
Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, former leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, were convicted in 2021 for inciting subversion under the national security law. Despite pleading not guilty, they face up to 10 years in prison. The alliance was also convicted.
The judges determined that the alliance’s advocacy to “end one-party dictatorship” aimed at overthrowing and undermining the leadership status of the ruling Communist Party, rather than advocating for a return to a multiparty system as per the constitution. The judges stated that persisting with this call post the law’s enactment, disregarding its conflict with the constitution, constituted “other unlawful means” under the security law.
This verdict is part of the ongoing crackdown on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, which has significantly dwindled under the control of Hong Kong and Chinese authorities.
The annual candlelight vigil organized by the alliance, drawing tens of thousands over three decades to mourn Tiananmen Square victims, was banned in 2020 amid the COVID-19 outbreak and before the imposition of the security law in response to the 2019 protests.
Observers note that the trial symbolizes the diminishing freedom of expression in the former British colony since its handover to Chinese rule in 1997.
Both Lee and Chow are expected to be sentenced at a later date and will seek reduced penalties. The judges did not present the full reasoning for the judgment during the hearing but indicated it would be available online.
The trial, initially scheduled for 75 days, unexpectedly concluded its closing statements on the 24th day. Albert Ho, another defendant in the case, pleaded guilty at the trial’s commencement, potentially leading to a reduced sentence.
Following the conviction, Lee’s wife expressed disappointment and disagreement with the verdict, maintaining Lee’s innocence. The possibility of an appeal is being considered.
Supporters gathered outside the court during the hearing, with some expressing doubt about the allegations against the alliance. The crackdown in 1989, where hundreds, possibly thousands, were killed, marked a turning point in China’s history, solidifying economic reform without political liberalization.
The security law of 2020, enforced by Beijing for the city’s stability, has led to the imprisonment of numerous activists, including media magnate Jimmy Lai, and the dissolution of several civil society groups, including the alliance.
