Government welcomes Alliance subversion convictions at High Court
HKFP · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong’s High Court has convicted the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, former vice-chairperson Chow Hang-tung, and former chair Lee Cheuk-yan of inciting subversion after trial, while former lawmaker Albert Ho had earlier pleaded guilty to the same charge . The case was brought under Article 23 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, and the defendants could face prison terms of up to 10 years . The Hong Kong government said it welcomed the convictions, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu accusing the group of long fomenting hatred against the Chinese Communist Party and the central government . At the same time, activists and overseas human rights groups criticised the outcome as another sign of shrinking freedoms in Hong Kong .
Key Points
- The Court of First Instance of the High Court ruled that the Alliance, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung were guilty after trial, while Albert Ho had already admitted the charge .
- The now-defunct Alliance was known for organising Hong Kong’s annual mass vigils commemorating those killed in Beijing’s 1989 Tiananmen crackdown .
- John Lee said the Alliance had for years planted hatred against the Chinese Communist Party and central authorities, and sought to incite people to subvert state power .
- A government spokesperson accused overseas forces of smearing the judiciary, Department of Justice and law enforcement during the trial, and condemned alleged attempts to interfere .
- Police National Security Department Chief Superintendent Steve Li and Security Secretary Chris Tang both publicly backed the verdict and framed the case as one involving national security .
Why It Matters
The ruling further defines how Hong Kong courts and officials are treating political advocacy and long-running civic organising under national security legislation . For Hong Kong readers, it also underscores that public campaigns once associated with large annual commemorations are now being judged through a national security lens, with potentially lengthy prison terms for organisers .