Hong Kong Vigil Leaders Convicted | Canberra News

Two former Hong Kong vigil organizers, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, have been convicted under China’s national security law for inciting subversion, facing up to ten years in prison — a devastating blow to the city’s pro-democracy movement. For over three decades, their annual Tiananmen Square memorial was Hong Kong’s sole large public remembrance of the 1989 crackdown, banned just before Beijing imposed the law. The trial symbolizes shrinking freedoms since 1997. Prosecutors claimed their calls to “end one-party rule” amounted to overthrowing China’s leadership; Chow defended it as ending unchecked power, while describing her court experience as degrading and asserting that true justice lies with the people. Now, the former vigil site hosts pro-Beijing events, as Beijing insists the law was essential for stability — while civil society and activists continue to be dismantled. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4fb54e448944fd70