Police welcome Alliance subversion verdict under security law
RTHK · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong police national security chief Steve Li Kwai-wah said he welcomed the court’s ruling convicting the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, former chairman Lee Cheuk-yan and former vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung of incitement to subvert state power . He said the judgment showed the defendants had deliberately incited others to endanger national security and had, over many years, sown hatred toward the Chinese Communist Party and the central government among the public . Li said the judge’s reasons made clear that the Alliance, under the defendants’ direction, had consistently treated the Chinese Communist Party as an enemy and repeatedly amplified that stance through its activities . He added that even after the Hong Kong National Security Law took effect, the three defendants pressed ahead with activities that he said breached the law .
Key Points
- Li said the court found the Alliance, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung guilty of incitement to subvert state power in the national security case .
- He described it as an undisputed fact that the group had, year after year, planted seeds of hatred against the Chinese Communist Party and central authorities .
- Li said the judgment found the defendants used human rights as a shield, colluded with foreign or external forces, and added new elements when public emotions cooled .
- Responding to questions, he said the offence falls under Article 23 of the national security law, and the ruling gives police greater confidence to keep enforcing it .
- Li said there are currently three similar cases, warned people tempted to engage in such conduct of prosecution risks, and said criticism is distinct from incitement .
Why It Matters
Li’s remarks indicate police believe the ruling strengthens their legal footing in future national security investigations and prosecutions under the relevant offence . For Hong Kong residents and organisers, his comments also suggest public activities, including commemorative events, will continue to be assessed under regulatory requirements and national security considerations .