Writings published by the now-dissolved Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China were not intended to incite subversion, but to expose Hongkongers to democratic movements in mainland China, according to testimony given in court on Monday by a former leader of the group.
Chow Hang-tung stated, “My articles were not meant to incite anything.” She explained that her intention was to “tell stories” about rights activists facing oppression in mainland China, including the late Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and his widow, Liu Xia.
Chow, along with fellow Alliance leader Lee Cheuk-yan, is standing trial for “inciting subversion” under the Beijing-imposed national security law, an offense carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Albert Ho, another Alliance leader, has pleaded guilty to the same charge.
For decades, the Alliance organized vigils at Victoria Park to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown in Beijing, where hundreds, perhaps thousands, were killed when troops dispersed pro-democracy demonstrators.
Charter 08 and Liu Xiaobo
The court was shown an article from 2017 titled “Memorial at Sea for Liu Xiaobo.” Liu Xiaobo was an author of Charter 08, a manifesto calling for political changes such as an independent legal system, an end to one-party rule, and freedom of association. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison for inciting subversion of state power due to his involvement with the petition.
The Alliance supported the Charter 08 movement and called for Liu’s release. Chow testified that the Alliance was planning how to celebrate his release when news arrived that Liu was gravely ill in 2017, stating, “He passed away so quickly that we didn’t even have time to say that… we tried to fight for him to see his family one last time.” Chow became emotional during this testimony, prompting Judge Alex Lee to offer a break and provide a tissue.
Chow stated the Alliance’s support for the Charter 08 movement continued even after Liu’s death in 2017. Judge Johnny Chan then asked whether the Alliance continued this support after the enactment of Beijing’s national security law in Hong Kong, to which Chow replied that it did.
Fostering Understanding
Chow too expressed her hope that her writings would foster a connection between people in Hong Kong and democracy advocates in mainland China. She said, “When Hongkongers look at [mainland] China… they might be able to see what so many people have done in the pursuit of democracy and freedom.” She added, “Democracy isn’t something that we alone pursue; it’s also the wish of countless Chinese people.”
Chow emphasized that the Alliance’s intent was not to incite, but “to promote understanding between Hong Kong and mainland China,” describing the stories as “the most positive stories about China and its finest people.” She stated, “It is about letting friends in Hong Kong hear these stories, so they can see that both sides may be facing very similar struggles and controversies, confronting the same systemic oppression, and thus perhaps discover a reflection of themselves in our mainland counterparts.”
Chow was then questioned about an article by Albert Ho, who stated that ending one-party rule historically occurs through leaders relinquishing power, armed revolution, or peaceful protest. Chow clarified that the Alliance always advocated for non-violent resistance and “resolutely rejected” violent revolution. When Judge Chan asked if these “non-violent” means could be considered illegal in mainland China, Chow responded, “It’s not about how the government defines it, but about the nature of the actions themselves: petitioning, assembly, marching, and demonstrating are not criminal acts in essence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China?
The Hong Kong Alliance was a group that for decades organized annual vigils at Victoria Park to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown in Beijing.
What charge are Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan facing?
Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan are standing trial for “inciting subversion” under the Beijing-imposed national security law, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
What was the purpose of the article presented in court regarding Liu Xiaobo?
The article, titled “Memorial at Sea for Liu Xiaobo,” was presented to demonstrate the Alliance’s support for the Charter 08 movement and its advocacy for the release of Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese dissident.
Given the ongoing trial and the broad scope of the national security law, it remains to be seen how the court will interpret the Alliance’s actions and intentions. Will the court accept the defense’s argument that the group’s activities were focused on promoting understanding rather than inciting subversion?
