Two individuals who previously organized the annual vigil in Hong Kong to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown have been found guilty in a national security case related to a law imposed by China, which effectively suppressed the city’s 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 of inciting subversion under the national security law in 2021. Despite pleading not guilty, they face a potential 10-year prison sentence. The alliance itself was also convicted.
The judges concluded that the alliance’s advocacy to “end one-party dictatorship” was not about urging the ruling Communist Party to adopt a multi-party system as per the constitution, but rather to eliminate its leadership role. The judges interpreted the term “end” as implying “overthrow” and “undermine.” They highlighted that the defendants persisted in their stance even after the law’s implementation, disregarding the constitution, which designates the party’s leadership as a fundamental aspect of Chinese socialism. This was deemed as falling under “other unlawful means” according to the security law.
This verdict adds to a series of legal actions taken against Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, which has significantly diminished due to interventions by Hong Kong and Chinese authorities. The annual candlelight vigil organized by the alliance, which used to attract thousands of attendees to commemorate the Tiananmen Square victims, was prohibited in 2020 during the pandemic and shortly before the security law was imposed.
Lee and Chow, upon exiting the courtroom, acknowledged the public gallery with smiles and waves. They are set to be sentenced later with the possibility of appealing for reduced penalties. Observers view this trial as emblematic of the shrinking space for free expression in Hong Kong since its handover to China in 1997.
The trial, originally projected to last 75 days, wrapped up sooner than anticipated after 24 days. Albert Ho, another defendant, entered a guilty plea at the trial onset, a move that could lead to a lesser sentence. Lee and Chow, along with Ho, are expected to advocate for lighter penalties during a separate hearing.
Following the conviction, Lee’s spouse expressed disappointment and frustration, maintaining Lee’s innocence and criticizing the judicial process. Supporters of the defendants have raised doubts about the allegations and the fairness of the legal proceedings. The outcome of this case has sparked concerns among observers and citizens about the state of Hong Kong’s legal system and the erosion of civil liberties in the region.
Numerous individuals gathered outside the court during the trial, reflecting the public interest and concern surrounding the case. The implications of this verdict extend beyond the individuals involved, as it signifies a broader trend of political crackdowns and restrictions on dissent in Hong Kong.
