Lee Cheuk-yan, the former chairman of the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (the Alliance), and former vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung were today (21 August) found guilty of “inciting others to subvert state power” under the Hong Kong National Security Law.
They face up to ten years behind bars for daring to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre of pro-democracy demonstrators.
Hong Kong Media Overseas (HKMO) is deeply concerned by the verdict, which further restricts the space in Hong Kong for peaceful political expression, preserving historical memory and advocating democratic reform.
The verdict followed a 22-day trial. The court ruled that Lee and Chow had, incited others to overthrow or undermine the “fundamental system” established by the Chinese Constitution. It also found that Lee, Chow and former Alliance vice-chairman Albert Ho — who had earlier pleaded guilty — had led the Alliance and were responsible for it actions.
Founded in 1989, the Alliance organised the annual June 4th candlelight vigil in Victoria Park for decades, making Hong Kong one of the very few places on Chinese soil where large numbers of people could publicly commemorate the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown.
The Alliance has been dissolved and its leaders have already spent years behind bars. Their call to “end one-party dictatorship” has provided a central basis for convictions under the National Security Law.
HKMO believes the implications of this case extend far beyond the Alliance and the three defendants. This is because the charge of subversion is now applied to anyone peacefully advocating democratic reform, discussing the country’s political system and seeking to preserve historical memory.
For journalists, this is not a political case that can be regarded as having nothing to do with us. Press freedom depends on a society being able to record history, discuss politics and question those in power. If even peacefully advocating changes to a political system can result in years of imprisonment, journalists, academics and everyone who wishes to openly discuss the future of China and Hong Kong must ask how much space for freedom of expression remains.
We call for the restoration of civil liberties in Hong Kong and the release of those imprisoned for peacefully exercising their freedoms of expression, assembly and political participation.
Remembering June 4th is not a crime. Reporting history is not a crime. Peacefully pursuing democracy should not amount to subversion.
