Police Crack Down on Hong Kong’s Protest Movement
In a move that has left activists feeling seriously rattled, Hong Kong police made a sting operation on Wednesday (Sept 8) that saw four members of a pro‑democracy group, who usually organise the annual June 4 march, hauled in and put behind bars.
Who’s in the Hot Seat?
- Chow Hang Tung – a lawyer and activist from the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China (Hong Kong Alliance). She’s no stranger to the spotlight, having gripped the microphone at police HQ to refuse to hand over any info the police were after.
- Three other members – names were withheld, but they’re ages 36–57.
The arrest hit just when Chow was slated to represent detained opposition figure Gwyneth Ho in a bail hearing. Ho’s case involves a conspiracy charge under the Beijing‑imposed national security law.
Police Drama: The Letter That Sparked the Arrest
In August, police sent a letter demanding the Hong Kong Alliance disclose membership, finances and activities by 7 Sept. Failure to comply could lead to a HK$100,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
The letter dubbed the Alliance an “agent of foreign forces” – a headline that would make even the most seasoned journalist raise an eyebrow.
What the Law Says
Under the national security law, the government has a blunt list of offences, including secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, with punishments that can be as harsh as life in prison. The Department of National Security said it had taken the four suspects into custody over their failure to comply with the law’s requirements, but it didn’t specify who they were.
Current Status & Future Moves
- Investigations ongoing – authorities hint at the possibility of more arrests.
- Alliance leaders Albert Ho and Lee Cheuk Yan are already imprisoned on a long‑standing role in the 2019 anti‑government protests.
Behind the Scenes
The Alliance spun a series of staff layoffs in July to keep their members safe. At the same time, half of its committee members resigned, putting fresh pressure on the organisation’s leadership. The mounting tension paints a grim picture for Hong Kong’s advocacy scene.
“We need to keep pushing back and refuse to surrender to unreasonable power,” came Chow’s plea as she walked into the police headquarters, a sentiment shared by countless activists who are still fighting for a more open future.
