Hong Kong pro-democracy political party League of Social Democrats announced on Sunday it had disbanded due to immense political pressure, the latest casualty in a years-long crackdown that has already quieted much of the city\u2019s once-vocal opposition. <\/p>\n
Following massive anti-government protests in 2019, many leading activists were prosecuted or jailed under a 2020 national security law imposed by Beijing. Dozens of civil society groups dissolved. Media outlets critical of the government shuttered. <\/p>\n
The League of Social Democrats was the only pro-democracy party that still staged small street protests from time to time and held street booth activities to carry on its advocacy despite the risks. <\/p>\n
Its chairperson, Chan Po-ying, said the disbandment decision was made after careful deliberation, especially taking into account the consequences to its members and comrades. Chan refused to elaborate on the pressure but said she was proud to say that the party had still contributed to the city\u2019s pro-democracy movement in these few years. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have stayed true to our original aspirations and haven\u2019t let down to the trust placed in us by those who went to prison,\u201d she said. \u201cWhile we are now forced to disband and feel an ache in our conscience, we have no other choice,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Hong Kong, a former British colony, will mark the 28th anniversary of returning to Chinese rule on July 1. The city used to hold annual pro-democracy protests that day and other various demonstrations demanding better policies. <\/p>\n
But those were ceased after most organizing groups were disbanded and the leading activists were jailed. Critics say the drastic political changes under the security law reflect that the freedoms Beijing promised to keep intact in 1997 are shrinking. <\/p>\n
The Beijing and Hong Kong governments insist the law is necessary for the city\u2019s stability. A Chinese official overseeing Hong Kong affairs in 2023 said protests are not the only way for people to express their views, signaling Beijing\u2019s stance toward demonstrations in the city. <\/p>\n
In April, Hong Kong\u2019s biggest pro-democracy party, the Democratic Party, also voted to give its leadership the mandate to move toward a potential disbandment. Party veterans told The Associated Press that some members were warned of consequences if the party didn\u2019t shut down. A final vote is expected at a later date. <\/p>\n
Chan said she believed the \u201cone country, two systems\u201d principle, which Beijing uses to govern Hong Kong, has already ended, pointing to the Chinese government\u2019s imposition of the security law and introducing the idea of \u201csoft resistance,\u201d a term officials use to refer to underlying security risks. <\/p>\n
\u201cOne country, two systems has already (become) one country, one system,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Founded in 2006, the League of Social Democrats was a left-wing political party that opposed what it called collusion between government and business, upheld the principle that people have a say and was firmly committed to the interests of underprivileged residents. <\/p>\n
It was widely known for its more aggressive tactics when fighting for change. Its members have thrown bananas, eggs and luncheon meat at officials or pro-Beijing lawmakers as a protest gesture. Its party platform said the group advocated non-violent resistance but would not avoid physical confrontations \u2013 a stance that set it apart from older, traditional pro-democracy groups. <\/p>\n
It once had three lawmakers in office. Its longest-serving lawmaker, Leung Kwok-hung \u2013 Chan\u2019s husband \u2013 was disqualified from the legislature due to his manner of taking his oath in office in 2017. <\/p>\n
On the streets, the group\u2019s activism led to the arrests and jailing of its members from time to time. <\/p>\n
Last year, Leung and prominent LGBTQ+ activist Jimmy Sham, a former party leader, were sentenced to nearly seven years and more than four years over their roles in an unofficial primary election under the sweeping security law. Sham was freed from prison last month. <\/p>\n
In recent years, the party has had limited political influence, no longer holding any seats in the legislature or local district councils. Even a bank ceased to provide bank account services to the group. <\/p>\n
But it continued to stage small protests from time to time, despite sometimes those activities leading to arrests. On June 12, Chan and other members were fined after being found guilty over their street booth activities. <\/p>\n
Undeterred by their convictions, they kept pressing on and protested against the ruling outside the court. <\/p>\n
Chan wiped away tears during Sunday\u2019s press conference and chanted slogans with other members at the end. <\/p>\n
She said she doesn\u2019t believe that democracy will come in the near future. <\/p>\n
\u201cMoving forward is not at all easy,\u201d she said. \u201cI hope everyone can become like an ember, a flying spark \u2013 still carrying light, keeping that light alive, no matter how small it may be.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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