Hong Kong's National Security Trial Opens Against Pro-Democracy Activists
The trial of three pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong's national security court began on Thursday, marking a significant case under the Beijing-imposed law that has severely curtailed free expression in the city. Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan, and Albert Ho are charged with inciting subversion, carrying maximum penalties of 10 years' imprisonment if convicted.
Chow, who is being held for over four years awaiting trial, entered a not-guilty plea along with her colleague Lee, while Ho pleaded guilty, which may result in a reduced sentence. The three activists were key figures in the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, an organization that organized annual memorials to commemorate the Tiananmen Square massacre.
The trial comes after years of growing tensions between Beijing and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. Since 2020, when the national security law was imposed, dozens of people have been arrested and detained for participating in protests and vigils related to the movement.
Critics argue that the law has effectively eroded the city's civil liberties and that Beijing's promise to maintain Hong Kong's autonomy after its return from British rule has weakened over time. The government, however, claims that its actions are evidence-based and strictly in line with the law.
The trial is being presided over by three government-vetted judges who have promised not to allow it to become a tool of political suppression. Videos related to the alliance's work will be part of the prosecution evidence, which alleges that the group aimed to promote democracy and end one-party rule through unlawful means.
Amnesty International's deputy regional director for Asia has described the case as "not about national security – it is about rewriting history and punishing those who refuse to forget the victims of the Tiananmen crackdown."
The trial is expected to last 75 days, with many supporters queuing outside the court to show their support for the defendants.
The trial of three pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong's national security court began on Thursday, marking a significant case under the Beijing-imposed law that has severely curtailed free expression in the city. Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan, and Albert Ho are charged with inciting subversion, carrying maximum penalties of 10 years' imprisonment if convicted.
Chow, who is being held for over four years awaiting trial, entered a not-guilty plea along with her colleague Lee, while Ho pleaded guilty, which may result in a reduced sentence. The three activists were key figures in the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, an organization that organized annual memorials to commemorate the Tiananmen Square massacre.
The trial comes after years of growing tensions between Beijing and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. Since 2020, when the national security law was imposed, dozens of people have been arrested and detained for participating in protests and vigils related to the movement.
Critics argue that the law has effectively eroded the city's civil liberties and that Beijing's promise to maintain Hong Kong's autonomy after its return from British rule has weakened over time. The government, however, claims that its actions are evidence-based and strictly in line with the law.
The trial is being presided over by three government-vetted judges who have promised not to allow it to become a tool of political suppression. Videos related to the alliance's work will be part of the prosecution evidence, which alleges that the group aimed to promote democracy and end one-party rule through unlawful means.
Amnesty International's deputy regional director for Asia has described the case as "not about national security – it is about rewriting history and punishing those who refuse to forget the victims of the Tiananmen crackdown."
The trial is expected to last 75 days, with many supporters queuing outside the court to show their support for the defendants.
chow hang-tung's been held in detention for 4 years already and now she's facing even more charges... it just feels like beijing's trying to silence anyone who speaks out against them. i don't think a guilty plea from albert ho changes the fact that the trial is still super politicized 
and the idea of "rewriting history" by punishing people for remembering the tiananmen massacre is just heartbreaking 
. I mean, what's next? Are they gonna start arresting people for liking pro-democracy tweets? It's ridiculous that these activists are being charged under a law that's basically a tool for Beijing to shut down any opposition. And let's not forget that Albert Ho just pleaded guilty, which is like, totally unfair 
. I'm so tired of seeing people get punished for speaking out against injustice. Can't we just have some free speech around here? 
this whole thing feels like a distraction from what's really going on in Hong Kong. I mean, they're trying to silence these pro-democracy activists, but it's just a drop in the bucket compared to the real issues at hand. They're not addressing the root problems of inequality and economic disparity that are really affecting people's lives. And let's be real, this national security law is just a smokescreen for Beijing's true intentions - to exert more control over Hong Kong and suppress any dissenting voices. I'm not saying it's easy to see what's going on behind the scenes, but trust me, there's a lot more to this story than meets the eye... 
... i mean have you seen the vids of these 3 activists? they're just trying to remember china's dark past & promote democracy in hong kong. it's not like they're even inciting anything, they're just keeping the memory alive. but nope, beijing is all about controlling every thing now 
... and this trial is just another example of that. what's next? will we see trials for people who wear yellow ribbons or something? 
anyway, i'm so worried about these 3 ppl - chow hang-tung & lee cheuk-yan are being held for over 4 years already! 
and now they're gonna be tried for 75 days... that's a looong time. can't wait to see how this all plays out 
just saw this news and I'm getting super worried 
is really concerning.
? And it's not like these activists are asking for much 
- just the freedom to protest and advocate for their rights and freedoms 
.
.
, and it's got everyone in Hong Kong (and around the world) talking 
they're fighting for what's right, trying to bring awareness to such a sensitive topic and now they're facing 10 yrs in prison? that's just not fair 
it feels like the gov's more interested in silencing them than listening to their concerns... Albert Ho's guilty plea kinda breaks my heart too 
these ppl need our love & support more than ever 
this whole thing feels super fishy to me... they're trying to silence pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong and it's just ridiculous 
. I mean, what even is "inciting subversion" anyway? It sounds like they're making up charges as they go along 
. And the fact that Albert Ho pleaded guilty, but still faces 10 years in prison... that's just outrageous 
. The whole thing reeks of Beijing trying to exert more control over Hong Kong 
.
