Hong Kong Activists Convicted Over Tiananmen Vigils
Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung convicted of inciting subversion under Hong Kong's national security law for their calls to end one-party rule.
- On Friday, a Hong Kong court is expected to deliver a verdict in the subversion trial of former Hong Kong Alliance leaders Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, who organized an annual vigil commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.
- Beijing-Imposed security laws, enacted after 2019 protests, led to the prosecution of the pair; the Hong Kong Alliance, which organized Tiananmen vigils for three decades, disbanded in 2021 as authorities targeted pro-democracy groups.
- Prosecutors argued the activists incited others to topple China's fundamental system through calls for "ending one-party rule," while the defense denied these allegations, maintaining the slogan advocated for democracy rather than illegal overthrow.
- If convicted by three judges, the activists face up to 10 years in prison; their co-defendant Albert Ho, a former vigil organizer, previously entered a guilty plea, typically resulting in reduced sentencing.
- Critics consider this case a litmus test for Hong Kong's civil rights and judicial independence, as Chow, defending herself as a barrister, warned the court risks becoming an accomplice if it fails to gatekeep against overreach.
213 Articles
213 Articles
Amnesty International Condemns Conviction of Hong Kong Tiananmen Activists
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Amnesty International has condemned the convictions of Hong Kong activists Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan, who were found guilty of "inciting subversion of state power" under the city's National Security Law for their involvement in organising commemorations of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. World News | Amnesty International Condemns Conviction of Hong Kong Tiananmen Activists.
Amnesty International condemns conviction of Hong Kong Tiananmen activists - The Tribune
Amnesty International has condemned the convictions of Hong Kong activists Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan, who were found guilty of "inciting subversion of state power" under the city's National Security Law for their involvement in organising commemorations of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown.
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Hong Kong crackdown continues with new convictions, increased harassment
Two civil rights advocates were convicted Friday of national security crimes by a special court in Hong Kong, and now face up to a decade in prison. The convictions come as local clergy warn of increased harassment of Church officials in the territory.Image credit: Hong Kong government.Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan were convicted of incitement to subversion for their roles in organizing a prayer vigil in 2021 to mark the anniversary of the 19…
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