The trial of the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China began on Thursday, with former vice-chairman Albert Ho Chun-yan admitting guilt in court.
Lee Cheuk-yan, the former chairman of the Alliance, along with former vice-chairpersons Ho and Tonyee Chow Hang-tung, face charges of inciting others to subvert state power between July 1, 2020, and September 8, 2021.
The three, who are currently detained, appeared at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this morning. Ho pleaded guilty, while Lee and Chow pleaded not guilty.
Chow appeared in court with her hair up and wearing a brown coat. Lee was wearing a black shirt and a dark blue jacket, and Ho was dressed in a black shirt; both appeared to be in good health.
The case is being heard by three judges designated under the National Security Law: Alex Lee Wan-tang, Johnny Chan Jong-herng, and Anna Lai Yuen-kee. The trial is anticipated to last 75 days.
The prosecution is represented by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Ned Lai Ka-yee and Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Ivan Cheung Cheuk-kan.
Barristers Erik Shum Sze-Man and Priscilia Lam Tsz-ying are representing the defense, with Chow representing herself.
A significant police presence was observed outside the court. Over a hundred members of the public queued to enter the courtroom, and several foreign Consul Generals were also present.