Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy party announces dissolution – JURIST
The chairman of Hong Kong’s League of Social Democrats (LSD) announced Sunday that the pro-democracy group will disband, marking the dissolution of the last remaining active pro-democracy group in Hong Kong.
Chairman Chan Po-ying cited “immense political pressure” as a key factor behind the decision and voiced concerns about the potential consequences for group members. Chan declined to disclose more specific reasons or provide an exact timeline for the dissolution
At the press release, Chan elaborated on the challenges the group has faced. “We have endured internal conflicts, the near-total imprisonment of our leadership, and the erosion of civil society. Red lines are omnipresent, and dissent faces draconian suppression,” she said.
During the announcement, LSD members gathered beneath a banner displaying a quote from American novelist Jack London: “I would rather be ashes than dust.”
Chan described the dissolution as part of a “domino effect.” Since China’s controversial national security law passed in 2020, the LSD has become the third major pro-democracy party to collapse. The Civic Party folded in March 2024, and the Democratic Party, the city’s largest opposition group, announced its intention to start disbanding in April this year.
Co-founded in 2006 by former lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, the LSD is best known for championing the rights and interests of marginalized communities in Hong Kong, including grassroots laborers, refugees, and the LGBTQ+ community. The self-described “radical democratic party” organized protests, engaged in civil resistance, and challenged government decisions through judicial reviews. This approach differed from the “peaceful and moderate” stance of traditional democratic parties, as stated on the party’s official website.
Over the past five years, authorities have imprisoned six LSD leaders, including former party chairman Leung Kwok-hung, who was jailed for organizing and participating in an unofficial primary election in July 2020.
China has increased its control over Hong Kong in recent years and has especially targeted political opposition. Fernando Cheung, spokesperson for Amnesty Hong Kong Overseas Section, recently revealed that the organization and its members have faced constant surveillance, harassment, fines, and intimidation. Prior to significant dates — the anniversary of Tiananmen Square on June 4 and the anniversary of the “handover” of Hong Kong from the UK to China on July 1st — authorities summoned members, issued warnings, conducted searches, and made arrests to stop demonstrations.
