Officials back HK Alliance sentences, Tang attacks Chow
Crhk · 8 SOURCES26 minutes ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong authorities and several mainland bodies issued coordinated responses after sentencing in the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China case on Friday. Former vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung, former chairman Lee Cheuk-yan and former vice-chairman Albert Ho Chun-yan received prison terms, while the dissolved group was fined HK$1.5 million. Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung said the punishments showed the seriousness of the offence and legal justice, and he accused Chow of continuing to incite hatred during court proceedings. The Hong Kong and Beijing statements also framed the case as part of a continuing national security effort despite what Tang described as surface calm in the city.
Key Points
- Chow Hang-tung was sentenced to seven years and three months, Lee Cheuk-yan to seven years, and Albert Ho Chun-yan, who pleaded guilty before trial, to five years and two months.
- The dissolved Hong Kong Alliance was fined HK$1.5 million and ordered to pay within three months after the incitement to subvert state power case.
- Tang said the court had classified the offence as a “serious” case of incitement to subvert state power and that stern punishment was needed to uphold the rule of law.
- He singled out Chow by name, saying she showed no remorse after conviction and tried to use court hearings to continue inciting hatred.
- Tang said authorities would seek confiscation through the court of any exhibit used to facilitate offences, including the “Pillar of Shame” if covered by law.
Why It Matters
The official reaction shows that even as several major national security cases reach sentencing, the government is still presenting Hong Kong as facing ongoing risks from external forces, overseas fugitives, local terrorism and what Tang called “soft resistance”. For Hong Kong readers, that points to continued aggressive enforcement, continued political messaging around constitutional order, and likely close scrutiny of symbolic items and public advocacy linked to national security cases.