Hong Kong Court Concludes Tiananmen Vigil Trial Arguments, Verdict Expected in July

A Hong Kong court has concluded final arguments in a landmark national security trial involving former organisers of the city’s annual vigils commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown, with judges indicating a verdict expected between mid- and late July 2026 .

The case centres on leaders of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, including Chow Hang-tung , Lee Cheuk-yan , and Albert Ho , who are charged with inciting subversion under the Beijing-imposed national security law , which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors argue the group’s advocacy, including its call for “ending one-party rule,” amounted to inciting unlawful attempts to undermine the Chinese Communist Party. The defence maintains the activities represented peaceful political expression and democratic advocacy, insisting no direct call for illegal action was made.

Chow, who is defending herself, described the proceedings as a “very strange case,” arguing that calls for democratisation are being wrongly criminalised. She said the legal interpretation has reversed basic principles, where speech on accountability is treated as subversion.

Court records show the trial began in January 2026 after multiple delays and moved faster than expected, concluding on its 24th hearing instead of the planned 75 days. Albert Ho has already pleaded guilty.

Judge Alex Lee said the panel of government-vetted judges would aim to deliver a written verdict in July , though no exact date has been set.

The trial is widely seen by observers as part of a broader tightening of civil liberties since the 2020 security law, which also led to the banning of Hong Kong’s annual candlelight vigil.