Hong Kong Activist Defends Beliefs in Court

Chow Hang-tung, a 41-year-old Tiananmen activist, told a Hong Kong court she fully embraced actions the prosecution labeled crimes. Chow and Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, are on trial for inciting subversion related to their leadership of the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance. The group previously organized annual vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Chow, acting as her own counsel, argued the case centers on what the law protects versus suppresses. Prosecutors claim the Alliance aimed to overthrow China’s political system by calling for an end to one-party rule. Chow countered this stance meant ending unrestrained power, asserting the constitution should restrain those in power, not citizens.

Lee’s lawyer argued the court should not merely pay lip service to human rights, referencing protections for criticizing state organs. While a third defendant pleaded guilty in January, rights groups criticize the trial’s vague definitions of subversion. A verdict could criminalize even minor critiques of Chinese policies, according to one researcher.