A Hong Kong court on Thursday convicted two former organizers of the annual Tiananmen Square vigil of "incitement to sow hatred or disaffection."
Chow Hang-tung and Tsuen-kon were found guilty by a national security law court for their roles in organizing the banned commemoration. The annual vigil, held on June 4th, was a prominent fixture in Hong Kong for decades, marking the anniversary of the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing. Authorities banned the vigil for several consecutive years, citing public health concerns and then security reasons.
Prosecutors argued that publicizing the vigil, even through social media posts and interviews, constituted incitement. Both defendants maintained that their actions were aimed at commemorating the event and upholding the memory of those who died.
The convictions are the latest in a series of legal actions taken by Hong Kong authorities under the national security law, which was imposed by Beijing in 2020. Critics argue the law has been used to suppress dissent and erode the city's freedoms. Supporters contend it is necessary for restoring stability.