Hong Kong court convicts two Tiananmen vigil organizers of inciting subversion

Two pro‑democracy activists, Lee Cheuk‑yan and Chow Hang‑tung, were convicted on Friday by a Hong Kong court of inciting subversion after organising the annual vigils that commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing. The verdict marks the latest high‑profile application of the city’s national security legislation and follows a series of prosecutions aimed at curbing dissent.

Lee and Chow, former leaders of the now‑defunct Hong Kong Alliance, were found guilty for their role in coordinating the commemorations, which authorities said threatened national security. Observers have described the case as a bellwether for the future of freedom of expression in Hong Kong, noting that the ruling could set a precedent for how similar activities are treated under the law. The convictions underscore the tightening of political space in the city and signal further challenges for activists seeking to mark the Tiananmen anniversary.