Two former organizers of Hong Kong’s annual Tiananmen vigil were convicted by a Hong Kong court of inciting subversion under the 2020 national security law, with the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China also found guilty.

The annual vigil, which drew tens of thousands of participants before the pandemic, commemorated the 1989 crackdown and was the only large public remembrance in the former British colony. Authorities banned the event in 2020, citing the security law, and have since prosecuted several activists.

Lee Cheuk‑yan and Chow Hang‑tung, both former leaders of the alliance, pleaded not guilty. The judges said their call to "end one-party dictatorship" was interpreted as encouraging the overthrow of the Communist Party leadership, which the court deemed unlawful under the security law. They were charged in 2021 and face up to 10 years in prison. The verdict was delivered on Friday.

Lee’s wife, Elizabeth Tang, expressed disappointment and said the judges did not consider their lawyers’ arguments; she indicated the family may appeal. Chow’s mother, Medina Chow Lau Wah‑chun, said she hoped for a healthier environment. Tang Ngok‑kwan, a former alliance member, said police prevented him from attending with materials referencing June 4. Margaret Chan, a former participant, questioned how the alliance could incite patriotism. A co‑defendant, Albert Ho, pleaded guilty earlier and awaits sentencing.

Observers noted the trial reflects the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong since the security law’s implementation. Human rights groups say the law has been used to prosecute activists, lawyers and journalists. The 1989 crackdown, in which hundreds may have died, remains a taboo subject on the mainland.

Sentencing for Lee and Chow is pending. They will request reduced sentences at a hearing next week.