Hong Kong hits back at ‘external forces’ after NGOs, foreign govt’s condemn conviction of Tiananmen vigil activists

The Hong Kong government and legislature have expressed strong opposition to external forces who voiced concerns over the conviction of pro-democracy activists who organized Tiananmen vigils. Police set up a perimeter outside the West Kowloon Law Courts Building on August 21, 2026, prior to the verdict for two activists, Chow Hang-tang and Lee Cheuk-yan.

The government condemned "baseless slanders" from Western nations, anti-China media, organizations, and politicians. Chow and Lee were found guilty of inciting subversion, along with their former group, Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. The group was accused of urging the end of one-party rule in China, a key aspect of the organization since its founding in 1989.

The government statement also noted that the defendants resisted opposition even after Hong Kong implemented a national security law. The Legislative Council secretariat echoed the government's condemnation of "smearing and slanderous remarks" from external forces. In March 2021, Beijing limited elections to ensure only "patriots" governed Hong Kong, sparking criticism for reducing democratic representation and introducing candidate vetting.

The Legislative Council's statement affirmed their support for the government in administering according to the law and safeguarding national security, ensuring the "steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems.'"