Story perspectives

Chow Defends Democracy Call Amid Hong Kong's Declining Freedoms

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Chow Hang-tung argued in court that ending 'one-party rule' seeks democratization, not dismantling the Communist Party, and that the prosecution misinterprets their democracy call under the national security law.
Lee Cheuk-yan, a co-defendant, pleaded not guilty to similar charges.
The Hong Kong Alliance organized Tiananmen vigils, disbanded in 2021 after leaders faced prosecution.
Its absence at the vigil site, now hosting pro-Beijing events, underscores freedoms' decline since 1997.

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Story summary

Chow Hang-tung argued in court that ending 'one-party rule' seeks democratization, not dismantling the Communist Party, and that the prosecution misinterprets their democracy call under the national security law.
Lee Cheuk-yan, a co-defendant, pleaded not guilty to similar charges.
The Hong Kong Alliance organized Tiananmen vigils, disbanded in 2021 after leaders faced prosecution.
Its absence at the vigil site, now hosting pro-Beijing events, underscores freedoms' decline since 1997.