Tang says HK Alliance verdict upholds legal justice
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong’s High Court on Thursday convicted the dissolved Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, former chairman Lee Cheuk-yan and former vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung of inciting subversion. Former vice-chairman Albert Ho had earlier pleaded guilty and had already been convicted, while Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung said the judgment demonstrated legal justice and that incitement to subvert state power would not escape the law.
Key Points
- The Court of First Instance of the High Court delivered the ruling on the 21st, finding the alliance, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung guilty of inciting subversion
- Albert Ho Chun-yan had earlier admitted the charge and had already been convicted in the same case involving the now-dissolved alliance.
- Tang said the alliance’s fundamental platform since its establishment was to overthrow Communist Party leadership and the constitutional order set by the Constitution.
- He said the Constitution is the nation’s fundamental law, and its preamble makes clear that Communist Party leadership is central to the People’s Republic of China’s constitutional order
- Tang accused the group of sowing hatred toward the central government and the Communist Party, and of stirring dissatisfaction through calls for illegal means
Why It Matters
The ruling and Tang’s remarks point to continued strict enforcement of national security law in Hong Kong against organisations and individuals accused of challenging the constitutional order. For Hong Kong readers, the case is a reminder that official interpretation of advocacy touching on party leadership and the state system remains central to national security prosecutions.