Hong Kong Tiananmen Vigil Group National Security Trial
A verdict for former organizers of Hong Kong's annual Tiananmen Vigil, Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan, is anticipated in July 2026, following the conclusion of closing arguments in their national security trial in May 2026. As of July 1, 2026, Hong Kong authorities have granted the city's leader the authority to designate any criminal act as a national security case, potentially impacting due process. The trial, which began on January 22, 2026, centers on charges of "inciting subversion of state power" under Hong Kong's national security law, with prosecutors presenting decades-old anti-Beijing speeches as evidence. Chow Hang-tung stated in court on May 19, 2026, that she "totally embraced" the actions deemed criminal by prosecutors.
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July 2026 — 1 developments
Hong Kong Tiananmen Vigil Organizers Trial Nears Verdict Amidst New Legal Powers
A verdict for former organizers of Hong Kong's annual Tiananmen Vigil, Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan, is anticipated in July 2026. In June 2026, Hong Kong authorities granted the city's leader the authority to designate any criminal act as a national security case, potentially stripping defendants of due process protections.
June 2026 — 1 developments
Hong Kong Tiananmen vigil organizer embraces actions deemed criminal in closing arguments
Chow Hang-tung stated in court on May 19, 2026, that she "totally embraced" the actions prosecutors deemed criminal, as closing arguments were heard in her national security trial. The trial for three former leaders of the Tiananmen Vigil Group began on January 22, 2026, with charges of "inciting subversion of state power."
May 2026 — 1 developments
Tiananmen vigil organizers' trial concludes arguments, verdict due July
The national security trial for two organizers of the Tiananmen vigil group has concluded its final arguments, with a verdict expected in July. The trial centers on charges of "inciting subversion of state power" under Hong Kong's national security law.
February 2026 — 1 developments
Defense Lawyer Argues Disbanded HK Group Promoted Democracy, Not Opposition to CCP
During the national security trial, a defense lawyer argued that the disbanded Hong Kong group's aim was to promote democracy and political freedom, not to oppose the Communist Party leadership. The lawyer stated that advocating for the abolition of one-party rule was a lawful means to achieve a democratic society.
January 2026 — 14 developments
Judge orders prosecution to detail 'co-conspirator principle' scope, questions preparedness
The judge ordered the prosecution to submit the scope of the 'co-conspirator principle' in writing and questioned their preparedness due to repeated delays. The trial was adjourned until Thursday for further discussion between the prosecution and defense.
Prosecution's 'co-conspirator principle' evidence prompts trial adjournment
The prosecution confirmed its intent to use the 'co-conspirator principle' as evidence, which the defense questioned due to lack of prior notification, leading to a one-day adjournment of the trial for clarification.
Prosecutors cite 'end one-party dictatorship' as subversion evidence, oppose expert witness
Prosecutors are focusing on the Hong Kong Alliance's repeated calls to 'end one-party dictatorship' as evidence of subversion. Additionally, the prosecution opposed the expert witness application, citing the scholar's lack of expert qualification and bias.
Prosecutors present decades-old anti-Beijing speeches as evidence against democracy activists Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung
During the national security trial on January 27, prosecutors presented recordings of defiant anti-Beijing speeches, some nearly three decades old, as evidence against democracy activists Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung.
Judge rejects Chow Hang-tung's expert witness application in national security trial
During the ongoing national security trial, former vice-chair Chow Hang-tung's application to summon a Taiwanese scholar as an expert witness was rejected by the judge. Additionally, the prosecution played footage of a 1996 speech by Szeto Wah, to which defendant Lee Cheuk-yan reacted emotionally.
Prosecutors assert national security trial against Hong Kong Alliance is not politically motivated
Prosecutors argued that the national security trial against the Hong Kong Alliance is not politically motivated and will not delve into sensitive political issues.
Chow Hang-tung argues 'ending one-party rule' was plea for democratization
During her trial, Chow Hang-tung argued that the Hong Kong Alliance's call for 'ending one-party rule' was a plea for democratization rather than an attempt to overthrow the Communist Party.
Former Hong Kong Alliance leaders Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan plead not guilty
Two former leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance, Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan, pleaded not guilty in their national security trial. A third former leader, Albert Ho, pleaded guilty. The trial, concerning the group that organized annual vigils for the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, began on January 22, 2026.
Hong Kong Tiananmen vigil group leaders face national security trial over 'end one-party rule' call
The national security trial for three former leaders of Hong Kong's disbanded Tiananmen Square vigil group has commenced. Prosecutors allege that the group's call to "end one-party rule" constituted incitement to subvert state power. During the proceedings, one organizer pleaded guilty, while the other two entered not guilty pleas.
Hong Kong Alliance leaders' national security trial begins; police testify on 2020 vigil ban
The national security trial for former leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance, organizers of the annual Tiananmen Square vigils, has commenced. During the proceedings, a police officer testified that public health and safety were considered part of national security when the 2020 vigil was banned. Defense lawyers are arguing that the group's actions were a lawful exercise of rights aimed at promoting democracy and political freedom, not opposing the Communist Party leadership.
Tiananmen vigil organizers face 10 years in prison for incitement to subversion
The organizers of the Tiananmen vigil group, charged with incitement to subversion, face a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted.
Amnesty International condemns prosecution of activists Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan
Amnesty International condemned the prosecution of the activists, labeling it a 'cynical attempt to erase historical memory' and a weaponization of national security laws. The organization highlighted that Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan have been detained for over four years.
Prosecutors accuse Hong Kong Alliance of inciting subversion over 'ending one-party rule' goal
Prosecutors argue that the Hong Kong Alliance's goal of 'ending one-party rule' constitutes illegally inciting subversion of state power. The trial is expected to last 75 days and is presided over by three government-vetted judges.
Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan plead not guilty to inciting subversion; Albert Ho pleads guilty
During the national security trial, Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan pleaded not guilty to inciting subversion. Albert Ho, the third defendant, pleaded guilty to the charge.
March 2025 — 1 developments
Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal quashes convictions of Chow Hang-tung and Alliance members
Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal unanimously quashed the convictions against Chow Hang-tung and two other Alliance members for refusing to comply with the data demand, stating that the heavy redaction of information had deprived them of a fair trial.
March 2023 — 2 developments
Chow Hang-tung, Tang Ngok-kwan, and Tsui Hon-kwong sentenced to jail for refusing police information request
Chow Hang-tung, Tang Ngok-kwan, and Tsui Hon-kwong were sentenced to four and a half months in jail for their refusal to comply with the police's information request.
Chow Hang-tung and two former Alliance members convicted for refusing to provide information to national security police
Chow Hang-tung and two other former Alliance members, Tang Ngok-kwan and Tsui Hon-kwong, were convicted for refusing to provide information to the national security police.
September 2021 — 4 developments
Hong Kong Alliance votes to disband amid political and legal risks
The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China voted to disband, citing growing political and legal risks.
Police freeze HK$2.2M of Alliance assets, charge three leaders with incitement to subversion
Police froze HK$2.2 million (approximately US$283,000) of the Alliance's assets and charged three of its leaders – Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan, and Albert Ho – along with the Alliance itself, with 'incitement to subversion' under the National Security Law.
HK Alliance Leaders Arrested for Refusing Police Information Request
Four leaders of the HK Alliance, including vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung, were arrested for refusing to comply with the police's information request.
HK Alliance Refuses Police Investigation, Denies Being Foreign Agent
The HK Alliance publicly announced its refusal to cooperate with the police investigation, stating that the demand was an abuse of power and denying it was a foreign agent.
August 2021 — 1 developments
Hong Kong Police Demand HK Alliance Information, Accusing Group of Being 'Foreign Agent'
Hong Kong police's National Security Department demanded the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (HK Alliance) provide extensive information on its activities, accusing it of being a 'foreign agent' under the National Security Law.