Full Breakdown
Legal Developments in Hong Kong: Trials of Activists and Allegations of Shadow Policing
3/6/2026, 12:27:38 AM
Taiwanese Scholar Barred from Testifying in National Security Trial
A Hong Kong court has denied a request for Taiwanese academic Ho Ming-sho to testify in the national security trial of activist Chow Hang-tung. The judges ruled that Ho's proposed evidence was "irrelevant" to the case, which centers on allegations of inciting subversion against Chow and other former leaders of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. This group organized annual vigils to commemorate the Tiananmen Square crackdown until its disbandment.
The judges, Alex Lee, Johnny Chan, and Anna Lai, stated that Ho's expertise did not pertain to the political demands relevant to the trial, particularly regarding the national constitutional or legal system of China. They noted that his report focused on democracy movements in other countries, such as South Korea and South Africa, but failed to address key issues in the case. The prosecution had previously argued that Ho's past criticisms of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) compromised his impartiality, but the judges dismissed this claim, asserting that such criticisms did not inherently affect his objectivity.
Allegations of Shadow Policing by Hong Kong Officials in the UK
In a separate legal matter, a trial has commenced in London involving two dual British and Chinese nationals, Peter Wai and Bill Yuen, accused of engaging in "shadow policing" on behalf of the Hong Kong government. Prosecutors allege that the pair conducted surveillance and gathered intelligence on individuals of interest to Hong Kong authorities, particularly targeting members of the Hong Kong diaspora in the UK.
Yuen, who worked at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, is accused of orchestrating these operations, which included unauthorized surveillance and information gathering. The case is notable as it marks the first prosecution under the 2023 National Security Act related to China. The prosecution highlighted that the alleged activities coincided with Hong Kong authorities offering bounties for information on activists living in the UK, including Nathan Law.
Both Wai and Yuen have denied the charges against them, which include assisting a foreign intelligence service and misconduct in public office. The trial is expected to last up to nine weeks.
Implications of the Trials
These legal proceedings reflect ongoing tensions surrounding national security laws in Hong Kong and the implications for activists and academics both locally and abroad. The refusal to allow Ho Ming-sho to testify underscores the challenges faced by those seeking to address issues of political freedom and human rights in the region. Meanwhile, the allegations against Wai and Yuen highlight concerns about the reach of Hong Kong's national security measures beyond its borders, particularly in relation to the diaspora community in the UK.
Official Statements & Responses
The judges in Chow Hang-tung's trial emphasized that Ho's criticisms of the CCP did not disqualify him from serving as a witness, stating, "the mere fact that Professor Ho has previously made strong criticisms of the Chinese Communist Party is insufficient to demonstrate a lack of independence and objectivity." In the case of Wai and Yuen, prosecutors have framed their actions as part of a broader strategy of foreign interference by the Hong Kong government.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the court's decision regarding Ho Ming-sho's testimony was clear, the prosecution's argument about his impartiality was not fully substantiated with evidence of bias. In the case of Wai and Yuen, the extent of their alleged activities and the specific nature of the intelligence gathered remain points of contention, with both defendants denying the charges against them.
