Chow Hang Tung, former vice-chair of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, appeared at West Kowloon Court today to seek the dismissal of an “inciting subversion” charge. Chow, who has been detained for over 1,500 days, represented herself and condemned the indictment as “vast and nebulous”, accusing prosecutors of criminalising political dissent. “Does merely shouting ‘end one-party rule’ or writing an article calling on people to light candles now count as a crime?” she asked.
The prosecution argued that any act or expression aimed at ending the Chinese Communist Party’s leadership would inherently violate China’s Constitution, a claim implying that even calls for political reform or open discussion could constitute a criminal offence.
Chow countered that calling for an end to Communist Party rule was simply an opinion, comparable to advocating the legalisation of same-sex marriage and a peaceful expression of belief. She criticised the prosecution’s case as vague and overbroad: “Are we really saying that simply shouting ‘ending one-party dictatorship’ is illegal?” She insisted that voicing opposition is not the same as incitement, accusing prosecutors of attempting to treat thought and dissent themselves as crimes, stripping citizens of the right to speak freely.
The panel of three judges designated under the National Security Law unanimously rejected Chow’s application and stated that a written judgment explaining the decision would be issued on 21 January, the day before the trial is scheduled to begin. The case is set to open on 22 January.
Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas (AIHKO)’s Fernando Cheung said the case once again exposes the Hong Kong government’s “blatantly unrestrained use” of national security as a tool to suppress free expression. Since the introduction of the National Security Law, he noted, numerous pro-democracy figures and citizens, including members of the Hong Kong Alliance, have been arrested or imprisoned simply for commemorating the Tiananmen crackdown or expressing dissent. “This reflects the authorities’ deep fear of truth and accountability,” he said.
After four years without trial, the charges remain vague and the evidence unseen. By framing the advocacy of democracy and free thought as “unconstitutional,” the prosecution has turned this case into something far beyond a legal proceeding against the Alliance, Lee Cheuk Yan and Chow Hang Tung. It is, in effect, a trial of Hong Kong’s collective memory, conscience and pursuit of justice.
In recent days, solidarity actions in support of the Hong Kong Alliance defendants have been held across the globe. This past Sunday, rallies took place in Vancouver and Toronto, Canada. This Saturday (8 November) at 2 pm, the Labour Rights Monitor, together with several other groups, will stage a solidarity action outside the Chinese Consulate in London, calling on Hongkongers in the UK to join and show their support.