Hong Kong Court Convicts Tiananmen Vigil Leaders

Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, former leaders of Hong Kong's annual vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, were convicted by government-approved judges on Friday under China's national security law. The two face a maximum prison term of 10 years for inciting subversion.

The three judges ruled that calls to 'end one-party dictatorship' aimed to overthrow the Communist Party's leadership status under the constitution. According to the verdict, defendants persisted in their calls after the national security law’s introduction, neglecting its breach of the constitution which states party leadership is a defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The judgment cited repeated use of the phrase 'end one-party dictatorship' as breaching the national security law. The ruling stated that actions were intended to undermine confidence in the Communist Party and cause division without involving violence or threats. Lee argued during trial their call was about moving toward democracy, while Chow recalled being shackled during court appearances stating, 'Justice lives in the hearts of the people.'

This verdict is part of a broader crackdown on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement since 2020. Observers say it symbolizes erosion of freedom of expression. Eric Lai noted charges of inciting subversion are commonly used to criminalize acts by human rights lawyers and activists in mainland China.

Family members expressed disappointment but vowed to consider an appeal after the conviction. Dozens of supporters gathered outside under drizzling rain ahead of the hearing. Amnesty International called for their immediate release, stating convictions demonstrate how national security law is used to punish peaceful remembrance and erase legacy of Tiananmen crackdown.

Chow previously wrote to Prime Minister Andy Burnham insisting 'Britain has a non-delegable duty to adopt a more robust stance in the face of the growing threat from a totalitarian and aggressive China'. The UK Foreign Office's Indo-Pacific minister Rosie Winterton condemned the verdict, stating it demonstrates how peaceful acts of remembrance are now treated as threats to national security.

The duo smiled and waved at supporters before leaving court. Lee made a heart gesture upon hearing the verdict. Mark Clifford, president of the Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation committee, stated they had been 'silenced because they spoke truth to power'. The U.N. Secretary-General's spokesman emphasized belief in peaceful protest rights without fear of arrest.