HK Alliance, leaders found guilty in subversion case

The High Court in Hong Kong has convicted the Hong Kong Alliance, led by former chair Lee Cheuk-yan and vice-chair Chow Hang-tung, along with the organization itself, of inciting subversion under the National Security Law (NSL). The group was found guilty for repeatedly urging an end to "one-party dictatorship" between July 2020 and September 2021.

The three-judge panel ruled that the defendants targeted the Communist Party of China (CPC) and their calls amounted to "overthrowing" and "undermining" the party. The court rejected the defense's assertion that the defendants genuinely believed their actions were within the law. They emphasized the defendants' unwillingness to compromise and refusal to abandon their resistance stance.

The judges also dismissed the notion that the defendants were exercising their free speech rights, as they had not advocated for violence or specific plans. Instead, they acknowledged the defendants' intention to encourage supporters to pursue unlawful methods to achieve "end one-party dictatorship." Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung, and former vice-chair Albert Ho, who pleaded guilty in January, could face up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date.