A Hong Kong court on Friday handed down prison sentences ranging from five to seven years to three pro-democracy activists. The individuals had organized annual commemorations of China’s deadly 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, violating the city’s national security law.
- Lee Cheuk-yan (69): Seven years
- Chow Hang-tung (41): Seven years and three months
- Albert Ho (74): Five years and two months (having pleaded guilty)
In August, all three were convicted of “incitement to subversion” for their involvement with the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance. The organization, which had orchestrated the annual Tiananmen vigils in Victoria Park, was also levied a fine of HK$1.5 million (approximately $191,304 or €164,768).
Defendants Deny Charges
The judges referenced the group’s demand to “end one-party dictatorship,” asserting that this undermined the legitimacy of Communist Party governance within the Chinese special administrative region.
Lee and Chow denied the subversion charges under Hong Kong’s contentious national security law. The defendants further argued that the alliance had not instructed anyone to commit illegal acts.
The court dismissed claims that the defendants believed their actions were lawful, citing Hong Kong’s restricted freedoms of speech. These liberties have been severely curtailed since Beijing imposed the national security law in 2020, following a crackdown on massive pro-democracy protests the year prior.
The vigils, which were once a significant annual tradition in Hong Kong, have been effectively outlawed under the new legislation.
Chow, a barrister who chose to represent herself, raised her arms and waved to supporters as she was led away from the courtroom.
Her mother, Medina Chow, addressed the gathered supporters, stating, “For today’s verdict, you do not need to be overly saddened. Do not lose heart. And above all, do not feel guilty.”
International Reaction
The convictions have provoked criticism from international governments and human rights organizations.
Amnesty International’s deputy regional director, Sarah Brooks, condemned the sentences, stating, “This sentencing is a triple tragedy: for the activists being unjustly punished, the survivors and victims of the Tiananmen crackdown itself, and the generations of Hongkongers denied the space to discuss one of the most consequential events in modern Chinese history.”
Germany and France had previously condemned the verdict against Chow last month, asserting that “peaceful advocacy for human rights does not constitute a crime.”
Chow received the Franco-German Human Rights Award in 2023.
Other individuals arrested under the security law include pro-democracy former media tycoon Jimmy Lai and former student leader Joshua Wong.
Hong Kong Activist Pleads Guilty to Foreign Collusion
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