Commemorating 4 June is not a crime. The Hong Kong government must immediately release all those arrested for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
Quotes
3 November 2025
The Hong Kong High Court today (3 November) rejected an application by Chow Hang-tung to dismiss the charges of “inciting subversion of state power”.
In response, Fernando Cheung, Spokesperson of Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas, said:
“Since the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, numerous pro-democracy figures, including members of the Hong Kong Alliance, as well as ordinary people, have been arrested or imprisoned for commemorating the Tiananmen crackdown.”
“This escalating wave of repression underscores the authorities’ fear of people seeking historical truth, challenge authorities and demand accountability, and represents a grave assault on freedom of expression in Hong Kong.”
“Even behind bars, Chow Hang-tung has continued to defend human rights. From challenging reporting restrictions on bail hearings to seeking judicial review of discriminatory prison policies, and now contesting the charges against the Alliance, she has persisted with courage and determination.”
“This court decision once again exposes how the Hong Kong authorities are weaponizing the overly broad concept of ‘national security’ to suppress freedom of expression with impunity”
“In 2023, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued an opinion concluding that Chow’s detention is arbitrary and called for her immediate release.”
“Commemorating the Tiananmen crackdown should never have been prosecuted. The Hong Kong government must immediately and unconditionally release all those detained solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression and other human rights.”
“The trial of the Hong Kong Alliance is scheduled to begin on 22 January 2026 after repeated delays. We urge the international community and all who care about human rights to continue monitoring and supporting this pivotal case, and to remember Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-yan, and everyone deprived of their freedom simply for commemorating the victims of 4 June.”
Background
Chow Hang-tung is a Hong Kong human rights lawyer and former vice-chairperson of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (the “Alliance”).
She was sentenced to a total of 22 months’ imprisonment for commemorating protesters killed in the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, including participating in a peaceful vigil in 2020 and for calling on the public via social media in 2021 to light candles in remembrance of the 4 June victims.
In September 2021, the Alliance and its former chair and vice-chairs — Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung, and Albert Ho — were charged with “inciting subversion of state power.” Both Lee and Chow have been repeatedly denied bail. After two postponements, the trial is now scheduled to begin on 22 January 2026. To date, both Chow and Lee have been held in pre-trial detention for over 1,500 days.
On 3 November 2025, the High Court dismissed Chow Hang-tung’s application to quash the indictment in the “inciting subversion of state power” case against the Alliance.