In a poignant display of loss, members of the League of Social Democrats announced its disbandment in Hong Kong on Sunday, marking the end of nearly two decades of advocacy for democracy. This party, once a prominent symbol of resistance, made headlines as current and former members gathered to share their sentiments, holding microphones while standing in front of a banner that reads, "rather be ashes than dust."
Chan Po Ying, the chair of the League, emotionally addressed the gathering, explaining that heightened political pressures contributed to this heart-wrenching decision. "The red lines are now everywhere," she stated, accentuating the suffocating political climate where dissent is stifled. The party’s inactivity is particularly significant as it follows closely the fifth anniversary of the Beijing-imposed national security law, a statute critics argue has been weaponized against political opponents.
Reflecting on recent turmoil, the League issued a statement recounting the struggles it endured, including the imprisonments of its leadership and the gradual erosion of civil society. "Over these 19 years, we have faced many challenges, with the loss of our voices echoing across Hong Kong,” the statement conveyed.
Justifying the disbandment, Chan mentioned the intensified scrutiny and consequences that party members faced, highlighting that the decision was made “after careful deliberation.” Dickson Chau, the vice-chairman, emphasized the untenability of maintaining a political party in such an environment, admitting, "I think the political rights have almost totally gone in Hong Kong."
In the context of deepening authoritarian control, government officials continue to assert the necessity of the national security law, framing it as essential for maintaining order post-2019 protests. The recent closures of the League's bank accounts and the fines inflicted on its members illustrate the increasing isolation and challenges facing any dissent in the city.
As Hong Kong's democratic landscape continues to shrink, the farewell to the League of Social Democrats is not just a loss for its members but signals a broader struggle for the very essence of public discourse in the region. "It's a dilemma I didn't expect to face in Hong Kong for just being an activist," Chau shared, underscoring the precarious position of political expression in today's city.
