Hong Kong activists found guilty in national security trial
Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung convicted of inciting subversion under the national security law, facing up to 10 years in prison.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Hong Kong court convicts Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, and Chow Hang-tung, 41, of inciting others to subvert state power.
- The activists organized annual vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown via the Hong Kong Alliance.
- A third defendant, Albert Ho, 74, pleaded guilty to the charges back in January.
- The convictions are tied to the controversial national security law enacted by Beijing in 2020.
A Hong Kong court has found two prominent pro-democracy activists guilty under the city's controversial national security law for organizing annual events to commemorate the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Prosecutors stated the defendants incited others to use unlawful means to undermine state power.
The convicted individuals are 69-year-old former lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan and 41-year-old lawyer Chow Hang-tung. Both face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, with sentencing scheduled for a later date. A third defendant in the case, 74-year-old Albert Ho, had already entered a guilty plea in January.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
During court proceedings in May, Chow argued that the national security law itself was essentially on trial. In an interview with the BBC prior to her arrest in June 2022, she stated that she was fully prepared to be arrested and was willing to pay the price for fighting for democratic freedoms.
Hong Kong was historically one of the few places on Chinese territory where residents could openly gather to mark the deadly military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. Authorities banned these memorial gatherings in 2020 citing pandemic policies, and they have not returned since—coinciding with the year the national security law officially took effect.
The national security law introduced in 2020 criminalizes activities categorized as secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities. Critics argue the legislation has severely eroded Hong Kong's autonomy and fostered an environment of widespread fear, whereas government officials maintain it is vital for ensuring long-term stability.
Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, criticized the verdicts, stating they demonstrate how public expressions of mourning have effectively been criminalized in Hong Kong, and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the activists.
Source: BBC World
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