In Hong Kong, two former organizers of annual vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown have been convicted for alleged incitement to overthrow China’s communist leadership. Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, former leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, faced charges of inciting subversion under Beijing’s imposed national security law. This law has significantly suppressed the city’s pro-democracy movement. Both face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, as does the alliance itself.
The court, comprising three government-appointed judges, ruled that the alliance’s call to “end the one-party dictatorship” aimed to terminate the Communist Party’s leadership status under China’s Constitution. They concluded that the term “end” signified “overthrow” and “undermine.” The judges stated that the defendants continued this call after the law’s enactment, disregarding its unconstitutionality, which defined the leadership of the party as core to socialism with Chinese characteristics. This constituted “illicit means” as per the law.
Accused of intentionally encouraging supporters to await the chance to achieve the goal using illegal methods, both defendants denied believing their actions violated the national security law. Despite their conviction, they plans to seek lighter sentences next week.
The court decision is one of the latest impacting Hong Kong’s once-vibrant pro-democracy movement, which has largely been dismantled after the security law’s introduction in 2020. For decades, Hong Kong hosted the only large-scale public commemoration of the Tiananmen crackdown, attracting thousands each year. Mainland China remains politically sensitive about the 1989 crackdown, heavily censoring debate and banning public remembrances.
Hong Kong’s greater political freedom under Beijing’s “one country, two systems” policy allowed such vigils until authorities prohibited them during the coronavirus pandemic. Observers see this trial as emblematic of diminishing freedom of expression in the city, a former British colony returned to China in 1997.
Eric Lai, principal investigator at Georgetown’s Center for Asian Law, stated that Hong Kong’s civil society must reconsider its assumptions, emphasizing that moderation of methods does not guarantee legality if the objectives are deemed unconstitutional.
Lee expressed in the courtroom that his advocacy aimed at advancing democracy, not overthrowing the party’s leadership, and empowering citizens in leadership decisions without imposing dictatorship.
Chow shared her experiences on Patreon, detailing her restrained transportation from prison to court. Despite the ruling, she asserted that justice remains in people’s hearts.
Albert Hom, another defendant, pleaded guilty earlier, potentially reducing his sentencing, seeking a lighter penalty next week.
Following the conviction, Lee’s wife, Elizabeth Tang, expressed disappointment and anger, feeling that judges overlooked the defense’s arguments, deciding later on potential appeals.
Chow’s mother hoped for a healthier atmosphere promoting diverse growth.
Outside the courthouse, dozens braved rain to attend court proceedings. Tang Ngok-kwan, a former alliance member, faced police check prohibiting “sensitive” items promoting the Tiananmen remembrance.
Margaret Chan reiterated the alliance’s patriotic portrayal, questioning the incitement allegations.
Hong Kong leader John Lee supported the verdict, accusing the alliance of fostering societal hatred against China’s central government, jeopardizing national security.
Steve Li, the head of the police’s national security division, emphasized the case’s future enforcement significance, asserting criticism remains permissible absent state subversion.
International responses included condemnation from Riley Barnes, U.S. official, and Rosie Winterton, UK’s Indo-Pacific region official, stressing peaceful vigils solely honored past lives lost in the 1989 crackdown.
The European Union highlighted the verdict’s indication of Hong Kong’s shrinking freedom of expression.
The 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown was pivotal in modern Chinese history, illustrating the lack of political liberalization accompanying its economic transformation into the world’s second-largest economy.
Post-pandemic, the former vigil site in Hong Kong saw replacement with pro-Beijing carnival activities.
Beijing contends the security law is essential for Hong Kong’s stability. Prominent activists have been imprisoned under this law, including pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Many civil society groups, including the alliance, disbanded amidst intense political shifts.