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The conviction of two pro-democracy figures who organized Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigils has garnered support from government officials, while overseas human rights organizations express concern regarding the alleged erosion of freedoms in the city. Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan, once leaders of the defunct Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, were found guilty of inciting subversion on August 21, 2026.

A third defendant, former lawmaker Albert Ho, had pleaded guilty during the trial's opening in January. The group itself, which coordinated mass vigils to mourn the victims of China's 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, was also found guilty. Each could face up to ten years in prison.

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, welcomed the verdict, stating that the Hong Kong Alliance had "long been deliberately planting seeds of hatred against the CPC and the Central Government in the Hong Kong society, attempting to incite disaffection, hatred and other sentiments among members of the public against the CPC and the Central Government through various means, and inciting people to subvert state power."

Chief Superintendent Steve Li of the police's National Security Department echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the defendants' actions endangered national security over an extended period.

The Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, denounced the Hong Kong Alliance, asserting that it promoted an agenda aimed at overthrowing the Chinese Communist Party's leadership and constitution. He noted that despite the enactment of the national security law, the defendants continued to hold public activities, including attempting to hold illegal assemblies, distribute publications, and make public statements.

Activists and family members of the convicted individuals expressed anger and disappointment, questioning the lack of evidence for illegal means and the government's prior permission for the protests. Some, like Tsang Kin-shing, known as "The Bull," voiced helplessness about the verdict, suggesting that future candlelight vigils might face increased restrictions.