Story perspectives

Hong Kong Court Convicts Alliance Under National Security Law

8/21/2026

Summary

Hong Kong Alliance Convicted

Hong Kong High Court convicted the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China of incitement.
Three judges said calling for an end to China’s one-party dictatorship is subversion under the national security law.
The alliance recruited supporters through the June 4 vigil, a museum and publications urging action against the Communist Party.
Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung face up to ten years in prison, with sentencing pending.

Summary

Lee Condemns Alliance

Chief Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah praised the judgment, saying defendants persisted despite legal warnings.
The central government’s national security office said the verdict demonstrates rule of law and upholds the NSL.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu condemned the alliance for deliberately sowing hatred toward the CPC and central government.
Lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun called the verdict expected, citing the 2018 constitutional amendment enshrining CPC leadership.

History

Historical Context

In 2003, roughly 500,000 Hong Kong residents marched against the government’s Article 23 security bill, forcing Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa to suspend the legislation. The protest was part of the broader pro-democracy movement that includes the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which now faces a national-security conviction. The episode illustrates Beijing’s pattern of tightening controls after mass dissent.

1 of 3

Hong Kong Alliance Convicted

Hong Kong High Court convicted the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China of incitement.
Three judges said calling for an end to China’s one-party dictatorship is subversion under the national security law.
The alliance recruited supporters through the June 4 vigil, a museum and publications urging action against the Communist Party.
Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung face up to ten years in prison, with sentencing pending.

1 / 3