HONG KONG (AP) — The pro-democracy political party in Hong Kong, the League of Social Democrats, has announced its disbandment due to significant political pressure. This marks another blow to the city's opposition, which has been gradually silenced over the years amidst a broader crackdown on dissent. Since the onset of massive anti-government protests in 2019, numerous activists have been prosecuted or imprisoned under a stringent national security law enacted by Beijing in 2020, leading to the dissolution of numerous civil society groups and the shuttering of critical media outlets.
The League of Social Democrats was notable for being the last pro-democracy party to continue organized street protests and advocacy efforts despite the looming risks involved. Chan Po-ying, the chairperson of the party, stated that the decision to disband was made after careful consideration, especially regarding the potential consequences for its members. Although Chan refrained from providing specific details about the pressure faced, she expressed pride in the party's contributions to the pro-democracy movement over recent years.
Having remained steadfast to their principles, Chan remarked, "We have stayed true to our original aspirations and haven’t let down the trust placed in us by those who went to prison." She noted that while the disbandment is painful, it was necessitated by the circumstances they found themselves in.
As Hong Kong marks the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, the city's pro-democracy protests, once a staple of public expression, have become increasingly rare. With many grassroots organizing groups dismantled and key activists incarcerated, the criticism around the reduced freedoms—initially promised by Beijing in 1997—has intensified. Authorities, including representatives from both the Beijing and Hong Kong governments, assert that the national security law is essential for maintaining stability in Hong Kong. In 2023, a Chinese official overseeing affairs in Hong Kong stated that protests are not the only means for citizens to express their opinions.
In a similar vein, the Democratic Party, Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy party, voted earlier in April to empower leadership toward possible disbandment, following threats and warnings issued to its members about potential repercussions should the party remain operational.
Founded in 2006, the League of Social Democrats was characterized by its left-wing orientation and staunch opposition to the collusion between government and business. It gained notoriety for employing confrontational protest tactics, including throwing eggs and other items at government officials and pro-Beijing lawmakers. While the party maintained a platform advocating for non-violent resistance, it also embraced physical confrontations, setting it apart from more traditional pro-democracy organizations.
At one point, the League had three lawmakers serving in local government. However, its influence dwindled in recent years, with growing numbers of its members facing arrest and imprisonment for their activism. In 2022, prominent members, including Leung Kwok-hung and LGBTQ+ advocate Jimmy Sham, were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in an unofficial primary election organized in defiance of the national security law.
The political climate has proven hostile to dissent, and the League's diminishing presence is indicative of broader trends within Hong Kong's political landscape. The group recently faced further challenges, such as a bank terminating its account services. Despite these setbacks, the League persisted in organizing small protests, even in the light of arrests. Chan and other members were fined following their street booth activities, yet they remained undeterred, continuing to advocate against the government’s actions.
As political dissent in Hong Kong continues to face severe restrictions, the disbandment of the League of Social Democrats marks a significant development in the struggle for democratic freedoms in the region.
