Goal of Tiananmen vigil group an ‘empty slogan’, not actual plan: defence lawyer

A defense lawyer argued in court that the stated goal of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China to end one-party rule was merely an "empty slogan" and not an actual plan. The lawyer told judges that the group's leaders, including former chairman Lee Cheuk-yan and former vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung, never incited anyone to overthrow the Chinese government. The court heard that the defendants were expressing their belief in freedom and democracy by advocating an end to "one-party dictatorship" in mainland China. Lee and Chow were convicted last week of inciting public hatred towards the Communist Party, while Albert Ho had previously pleaded guilty to the same charge.

Three former organizers of Hong Kong's annual Tiananmen Square crackdown vigils are awaiting sentencing after being convicted of inciting subversion under China's national security law. Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung, and Albert Ho, leaders of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance, were found guilty in August 2023. The court ruled their calls to "end one-party dictatorship" constituted encouraging unlawful means to undermine the ruling Communist Party. Lee and Chow pleaded not guilty, while Ho pleaded guilty. They face up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing expected within two weeks. The convictions have raised international concerns about Hong Kong's declining freedoms, though the government maintains the court acted based on law and evidence.