Three prominent Hong Kong activists have received prison sentences ranging from five to over seven years for their roles in organizing Tiananmen Square massacre commemorations. Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, Chow Hang-tung, 41, and Albert Ho, 74, were convicted under the national security law imposed by Beijing. The convictions and sentences have drawn criticism from international bodies and human rights organizations.
Sentencing Details and Convictions
The court ruled in August that the activists had violated the Chinese constitution by advocating for an “end to one-party dictatorship.” Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, who maintained their innocence and pleaded not guilty, were sentenced to seven years and seven years and three months, respectively. Albert Ho, a former lawmaker, pleaded guilty in January and received a sentence of five years and two months.
Chow Hang-tung, a barrister who represented herself, stated during a previous hearing that she rejected the convictions and had “nothing to repent for.” The three defendants appeared in court smiling and waving to supporters before being led into the dock.
Background of Tiananmen Commemorations in Hong Kong
For many years, Hong Kong and Macau were the only locations within Chinese territory where public vigils were permitted to commemorate the events of June 4, 1989. On that date, the Chinese government deployed troops and tanks to suppress protests in and around Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, which were calling for political reforms. However, public commemorations have been effectively prohibited in Hong Kong since the national security law, enacted by Beijing, came into effect.
The Hong Kong Alliance and its Activities
The convicted individuals were leaders of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance, the organization responsible for organizing the annual vigils held in Victoria Park. Beyond the vigils, the group also operated a museum dedicated to documenting the Tiananmen Square crackdown. The Alliance also held various events, including the yearly ritual of washing the “Pillar of Shame,” a statue erected to honor the victims of the massacre.
Dismantling of the “Pillar of Shame” and Related Objects
The “Pillar of Shame” statue, which had stood for a significant period at the University of Hong Kong, was dismantled and removed from its plinth in late 2021. This action was followed by similar removals of related objects from other university campuses in Hong Kong.
Legal Proceedings and Confiscation of Evidence
Prosecutors argued that evidence pertinent to the case, including the “Pillar of Shame” statue and archival materials from the Hong Kong Alliance’s museum, should be confiscated. Judge Alex Lee indicated on Friday that the final decision regarding the statue’s fate would be made after its ownership status is determined.
Activists’ Statements and Concerns
Ahead of the sentencing, Chow Hang-tung expressed her view that the “authorities’ true intentions were finally laid bare.” She stated, “This prosecution is an attempt to erase memories, particularly those of June 4, by reading too much into certain slogans.”
Artist’s Reaction to Potential Confiscation
Jens Galschiot, the Danish artist who created the “Pillar of Shame,” described the trial’s outcome and the potential confiscation of the statue as “outrageous.” He told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that this action constitutes “an attack on my private ownership and my artist’s work.” Galschiot emphasized that the statue serves to recount the story of Tiananmen, a narrative he believes “everybody should know.” He has been seeking the return of his artwork for years and warned that its destruction would also mean the “destroy[ing] the story.”
International Condemnation
The convictions and sentencing of the Hong Kong activists have been met with widespread condemnation from various international entities. The United Nations, numerous human rights groups, and several foreign governments have voiced their disapproval of the legal actions taken against individuals for their involvement in commemorating the Tiananmen Square events.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung, and Albert Ho marks a significant development in the ongoing suppression of dissent in Hong Kong. Their convictions for organizing Tiananmen Square vigils underscore the impact of the national security law on freedom of assembly and expression in the city. The international community continues to monitor the situation, with concerns raised about the erosion of civil liberties and historical memory in Hong Kong.
