From Candlelight Vigil to Courtroom: Trial Begins in Hong Kong Over Tiananmen Memory

International Desk, PNN

Three prominent pro-democracy leaders in Hong Kong have gone on trial for allegedly participating in activities commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in China. The case, which began in Hong Kong High Court, is considered one of the most significant political trials in recent times.

The accused are Chau Hang-tun, Albert Ho, and Lee Cheuk-yan, all former top leaders of the “Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China.” They face charges of attempting to overthrow state power.

On Thursday, Lee Cheuk-yan waved to supporters upon entering the courtroom. Albert Ho appeared calm and detached. Chau Hang-tun thanked supporters waiting outside the court overnight with a bowed head.

In court, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chau Hang-tun pleaded not guilty, while Albert Ho admitted to the charges. The hearing was held under tight security. Despite cold weather, around 70 members of the public lined up to enter the courtroom gallery.

Previously, a candlelight vigil to remember the Tiananmen victims was held every June 4 in Hong Kong. However, after the national security law took effect in 2020, such gatherings were banned. Beijing justified the law, citing widespread anti-government protests in 2019 and claiming it restored stability.

Human rights organizations disagreed. Sarah Brooks, Deputy Director for Asia at Amnesty International, said, “This trial is not about national security; it is an attempt to erase history and punish people who remain steadfast in commemorating the martyrs of Tiananmen.”

Angely Dat of the Chinese Human Rights Defenders network described the trial as a “farce” and called for all charges to be immediately dropped.

The trial is being conducted by a bench of three government-approved judges and is expected to last around 75 days. The prosecution will present videos and documents detailing the organization’s years of activities. Previously, the court rejected Chau Hang-tun’s request to dismiss the case.

For three decades, the Hong Kong Alliance has worked to preserve the memory of the Tiananmen movement, demanding accountability, the release of political prisoners, and democratic reforms. A month before the trial, the sentencing of influential Hong Kong media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai sparked widespread international reactions. Hong Kong’s Chief Justice recently emphasized that judges rule based solely on law and evidence, not politics.

The trial has reignited debates over freedom of expression and historical preservation in Hong Kong.