Former Tiananmen vigil leaders face sentencing in Hong Kong security case

The Hong Kong court heard arguments from Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung and Albert Ho, the former heads of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, regarding the penalties they will receive after convictions for inciting subversion under Beijing’s national security law. Lee and Chow entered not-guilty pleas, whereas Albert Ho had earlier admitted guilt, a step that can sometimes lead to a lighter term.

The judges noted that sentencing, which may be as high as ten years, will be issued within the next two weeks. Prosecutors argued the trio encouraged supporters to pursue the overthrow of the Communist Party, while defence counsel contended their activities were peaceful and non-violent. International observers expressed concern that the verdict underscores a decline in the liberties promised to Hong Kong after 1997, a claim the Hong Kong government rejected, saying the court applied the law and evidence impartially. The hearing also touches on the future of the Pillar of Shame memorial sculpture removed from a university campus in 2021.