Freedom of speech 'not an absolute right', Hong Kong trial of Tiananmen activists hears
The trial of two Hong Kong democracy activists accused of inciting unlawful acts during Tiananmen vigils has concluded its closing arguments. Prosecutors argue that the defendants' actions endangered national security, while the defense claims they were exercising their rights. The trial has drawn attention to the limitations on freedom of speech in Hong Kong under the national security law imposed by Beijing.
- ▪Prosecutors accuse the activists of inciting unlawful acts during Tiananmen vigils.
- ▪The defendants face charges of incitement to subversion, which could lead to a 10-year prison sentence.
- ▪The trial has highlighted the tension between freedom of speech and national security in Hong Kong.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A Hong Kong prosecutor accused two democracy activists on trial for organising Tiananmen crackdown vigils of trying to "incite others to commit unlawful acts", as closing arguments in their national security case began on Monday (May 18, 2026).Hong Kong and Macau were once the only places in China where people could publicly mourn Beijing's deadly crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989. Hong Kong activist behind Tiananmen vigil convicted for inciting illegal assemblyDefendants Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, and Chow Hang-tung, 41, were leaders of a now-defunct group called the Hong Kong Alliance that arranged an annual candlelight vigil in the city's Victoria Park for decades.However, Beijing imposed a national security law on the former British colony in 2020…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
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