Two pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have been convicted of inciting ‘illegal acts’ linked to vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. The court’s decision has drawn sharp international criticism.

A Hong Kong court has found Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, and Chow Hang-tung, 41, guilty of inciting others to participate in what authorities deemed ‘illegal activities.’ The charges stem from their roles as organizers of annual vigils honoring the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing. The court accused the activists of attempting to undermine state authority, with both facing potential prison sentences of up to ten years under Hong Kong’s national security law.

The vigils, which were once a hallmark of Hong Kong’s civil liberties, have been banned since the imposition of the national security law in 2020. The court argued that the activists had called for actions that violated China’s constitution by advocating for the end of one-party rule. Both Lee and Chow denied the charges, maintaining that their push for democratic reform did not exclude leadership by the Communist Party. A third defendant, former legislator Albert Ho, admitted guilt earlier this year, which could result in a reduced sentence.

The verdict has sparked widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations and foreign governments. Human Rights Watch criticized the ruling as a stark example of how public acts of remembrance are being criminalized in Hong Kong. Germany and France issued a joint statement demanding Chow’s release, highlighting her contributions to human rights and democracy. The British government also condemned the decision, citing it as further evidence of the erosion of freedoms in the region.