A Hong Kong court found veteran labour activist Lee Cheuk‑yan and lawyer‑activist Chow Hang‑tung guilty of incitement to subversion, exposing the breadth of Beijing’s national security law. Both face a maximum ten‑year prison term, with sentencing to be decided at a later hearing.
The verdict was delivered on Friday after a trial that began in January 2021 and wrapped up its closing statements in just 24 days, far shorter than the originally scheduled 75‑day schedule. Prosecutors argued the pair urged unlawful means to end one‑party rule, while the defendants, former leaders of the now‑defunct Hong Kong Alliance, maintained they were merely calling for democratic reforms. A third defendant, former legislator Albert Ho, had pleaded guilty earlier in the year.
The convictions underscore the tightening of civil‑society space in Hong Kong, signalling that even commemorative activities such as the annual Tiananmen candlelight vigil are now subject to severe legal penalties. Observers view the case as a bellwether for the continued erosion of freedom of expression under the national security framework.
Prosecutors described the case as non‑political, emphasizing alleged calls to overthrow the Communist Party, whereas the activists contended their statements sought democratic transition without demanding regime change, highlighting a fundamental dispute over the interpretation of “incitement to subversion.”