Hong Kong — Members of the League of Social Democrats, the last remaining protest group in Hong Kong, gathered recently at their office to mark a significant moment of defiance. With characters for “freedom” displayed using court admission slips, the atmosphere reflected the group’s struggle against encroaching political pressures. Leaders of the party took turns speaking into a microphone connected to a loudspeaker, standing beneath a banner with the message, “Better to be ashes than dust,” written in Chinese.
After nearly two decades of advocacy, the party announced its decision to disband, attributing the move to intense external pressure. Chan Po Ying, the party chair, expressed the challenges faced, stating that “red lines are everywhere” in the current political climate of Hong Kong. She refrained from discussing the details of their decision, emphasizing the atmosphere of fear and repression.
This disbanding marks the third major opposition party to cease operations in the city this year. Known for its street activism, the group cited “careful deliberation” in its choice, aiming to spare its members from potential repercussions amid intensifying scrutiny. Timing the announcement just days before the fifth anniversary of the national security law imposed by Beijing signals the dire state of political freedoms in Hong Kong, which supporters argue has eroded significantly since its enactment.
The national security law, which was introduced to restore order following 2019’s protests, has been criticized for stifling dissent and dismantling the political opposition in Hong Kong. Critics contend that, rather than maintaining security, the law has facilitated the government’s clampdown on civil liberties. In the past month, a Chinese official has suggested that anti-China elements continue to pose a threat, warning against “soft resistance.”
As part of this ongoing political landscape, the party’s leadership has faced considerable strife, with numerous members imprisoned over the past five years. A stark reflection of this trend is the closure of the party’s bank accounts in 2023, highlighting the financial and operational strains imposed on dissenting voices. Vice-chairman Dickson Chau noted that the environment for political engagement has become perilous, leading him to question whether it is feasible to operate a political party in Hong Kong.
On June 12, three members were convicted for a minor infraction involving a banner display while soliciting donations. This incident underscores the increasing challenges opposition groups face, prompting concerns over political persecution. Chau remarked on the fading strength of civilian solidarity under the current regime, suggesting that the absence of meaningful political organization could leave citizens more vulnerable.
“The future is very difficult as a citizen,” Chau said, noting that the climate of fear permeates beyond political activists to the broader populace. He conveyed the dilemma of living amid uncertainty, where exercising basic rights raises potential consequences, not only for politicians but for ordinary individuals. As he reflected on his situation, Chau expressed disbelief at the drastic changes experienced in Hong Kong, identifying with the struggles of many who have faced similar existential threats.
In a city where protests once thrived and political voices resonated, the disbanding of the League of Social Democrats serves as a stark reminder of the transformed socio-political landscape, raising questions about the future of activism in Hong Kong and the preservation of civic rights.