The verdict in the Hong Kong Alliance national security trial involving veteran Hong Kong trade union leader Lee Cheuk-yan and barrister Chow Hang-tung is due this Friday, 21 August 2026.
Lee and Chow are facing charges of “inciting others to subvert state power” under Hong Kong’s National Security Law. Both have pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison.
Lee, a former General Secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), and Chow previously served as chair and vice-chair of the now-disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (the Alliance). For more than three decades, the Alliance organised Hong Kong’s annual June 4 candlelight vigil in Victoria Park.
The prosecution argues that the Alliance’s advocacy, including its call to “end one-party dictatorship”, amounted to incitement to subvert state power. Facing a political trial, the two defendants vigorously defended their position in court, maintaining that ending one-party rule is a necessary stage in democratic transition, and that people’s pursuit of their rightful democratic rights should be protected by the Constitution.
“We are saying that the Communist Party should not exercise dictatorship, but we are not saying that the Communist Party should not lead, because whether the Communist Party leads or not is for the people to decide.”
— Lee Cheuk-yan, giving evidence in court, March 2026
The statement goes to the heart of the case: can advocating an end to one-party rule, without calling for any illegal or violent means, amount to incitement to subvert state power?
Why this case matters for labour movements
The trial has drawn particular attention because it involves a prominent trade union leader and activities linked to civil society organising and peaceful public commemoration.
Since the implementation of the National Security Law, independent civil society groups and trade unions in Hong Kong have faced severe restrictions and pressure. The Alliance was disbanded in 2021, while the HKCTU was also forced to dissolve later that year.
The outcome may have broader implications for freedom of association, peaceful assembly, civil society participation and the space for independent labour organising in Hong Kong — freedoms that are fundamental to workers’ and trade unions’ ability to organise and advocate collectively.
International trade unions, labour organisations and human rights supporters are encouraged to closely monitor the verdict on Friday.
We will continue to follow the case and provide updates following the court’s decision.