Two former organizers of Hong Kong’s annual Tiananmen Square vigils have been convicted under China’s national security law, marking another blow to the city’s pro-democracy movement. Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, both members of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, were found guilty of inciting subversion, according to a verdict issued by the Hong Kong Court of First Instance on Friday. The charges stem from the group’s repeated calls to “end one-party dictatorship,” which the court determined aimed to undermine the Communist Party’s constitutional role in China. The convictions came more than four years after the implementation of the national security law, which has significantly curtailed dissent in Hong Kong. The law, introduced in June 2020, criminalizes acts deemed to threaten state security, including secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. The trial of Lee and Chow followed a broader crackdown on activists, journalists, and lawmakers who have long advocated for democratic reforms. Both defendants were charged in 2021 with violating the national security law, facing up to 10 years in prison. The court’s ruling stated that the Hong Kong Alliance’s advocacy for an end to one-party rule constituted an attempt to overthrow the Communist Party’s leadership, thereby falling under the definition of subversion. Judges emphasized that the phrase “end one-party dictatorship” was interpreted as a call to dismantle the party’s authority, rather than merely advocating for democratic reform. The verdict noted that the defendants continued their activism despite awareness of the legal risks, suggesting a deliberate intent to challenge the system. Lee and Chow, who were once central figures in organizing the annual candlelight vigils, maintained that their actions were aimed at promoting democracy rather than destabilizing the state. During the trial, Lee argued that the group sought to transition toward a system where citizens could choose their leaders, rather than having the Communist Party impose its will. Chow described her experience in custody, recounting how she was transported to court in shackles, underscoring the severity of the charges against her. The trial took place amid heightened scrutiny of Hong Kong’s civil liberties. The annual vigils, once a major symbol of resistance and remembrance, were suspended during the coronavirus pandemic, reflecting the growing restrictions on free speech. For decades, these gatherings drew tens of thousands of participants, making them the largest public commemoration of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests outside mainland China. The crackdown on such events has further eroded the space for open political discourse in the city. Legal experts and human rights organizations have expressed concern over the implications of the verdict. Eric Lai, a scholar specializing in Asian law, warned that even moderate forms of protest risk prosecution if their goals are perceived as challenging the state’s legitimacy. “Moderation of method offers no protection if the objective itself is held to be unconstitutional,” he said. This sentiment reflects a broader trend of legal repression targeting advocates of democratic change. Albert Ho, another defendant in the case, had already pleaded guilty earlier this year, which typically results in a lighter sentence. However, both Lee and Chow plan to appeal their sentences, arguing that the charges are politically motivated. Their lawyers have indicated that they will seek a reduction in the potential prison terms, citing the lack of evidence linking their activities to actual harm or violence. As the legal process continues, the case underscores the ongoing tensions between Hong Kong’s historical autonomy and Beijing’s increasing control over the territory. The conviction of Lee and Chow represents yet another step in the consolidation of power under the national security law, raising questions about the future of political dissent in the region.
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