World News
Hong Kong court hears sentencing arguments for former Tiananmen vigil organizers
Three former leaders of the disbanded alliance face up to 10 years in prison under a national security law after being convicted of inciting subversion.
The short version
- Former alliance leaders Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung, and Albert Ho argued their sentencing points in court after being convicted of inciting subversion under Beijing's national security law.
- The defendants face up to 10 years in prison for their roles in the disbanded group that organized annual Tiananmen Square vigil commemorations.
- Judges stated that sentencing will take place within two weeks.
- The court will also decide the disposition of the 'Pillar of Shame' memorial sculpture previously removed from a Hong Kong university.
Key facts
- Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung, and Albert Ho were convicted of inciting subversion under Hong Kong's national security law for their leadership in the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China.[Associated Press]
- Lee and Chow pleaded not guilty and were convicted on Aug. 21, while Ho previously pleaded guilty.[Associated Press]
- Judges ruled the defendants intentionally encouraged supporters to end 'one-party dictatorship' through unlawful means, treating it as an effort to undermine the Communist Party's leadership.[Associated Press]
- Under the security law, serious offenses carry sentences between five and 10 years in prison, while minor offenses carry terms of five years or less.[Associated Press]
- Defense counsel argued that the advocacy did not involve violence and did not alter China's fundamental governing system.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The exact length of the prison sentences for the three defendants remains unknown until judges hand down the final ruling within two weeks.[Associated Press]
- It remains undecided whether the confiscated 'Pillar of Shame' memorial sculpture will be returned to its owner.[Associated Press]