Former vice-chairman of Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil group Albert Ho has pleaded guilty to inciting subversion for advocating an end to Communist Party rule in mainland China, facing up to 10 years in jail. Former chairman Lee Cheuk-yan and vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung denied the charges and will stand trial. The case centers on the group's activities under the national security law.
A former vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China faces up to 10 years in jail after admitting to inciting subversion by advocating an end to Communist Party rule in mainland China, in breach of the national security law.
Prosecutors accused the group of provoking public hatred and disaffection towards the regime by spreading negative information about the nation under the guise of promoting democracy and commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Since 1990, the alliance had organized an annual candlelight vigil in Victoria Park on June 4 to mark the Beijing crackdown on pro-democracy protests, the only large-scale public commemoration on Chinese soil. The group's aim included ending mainland China's one-party dictatorship.
Albert Ho Chun-yan is one of three former alliance leaders charged under the Beijing-decreed legislation. Former chairman Lee Cheuk-yan, 68, and vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung, 40, confirmed on Thursday that they denied the incitement offense, having previously indicated their intention to contest the charge. The case is being heard at West Kowloon Court.
This trial highlights the enforcement of Hong Kong's national security law against democratic activities and commemorations. The alliance also ran the June 4 Museum, but such efforts have been curtailed.