Lee Cheuk-yan

Lee Cheuk-yan is a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and former leader of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, a now-disbanded organization that annually held vigils commemorating the Tiananmen Square massacre. He is currently on trial under Hong Kong's national security law, charged with inciting subversion. The trial, along with those of fellow activists Chow Hang-tung and Albert Ho, is considered a landmark case. Prosecutors argue the case is not politically motivated, while the defense contends the activists' actions were a lawful exercise of rights aimed at promoting democracy. The trial focuses on the Alliance's advocacy for ending the Communist Party's one-party rule in mainland China, which the prosecution argues constitutes incitement to subversion. Albert Ho has pleaded guilty to the charge, potentially facing up to 10 years in jail, while Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung are contesting the charges. The case is significant due to its implications for freedom of expression and political dissent in Hong Kong under the national security law.