The case concerning the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (HK Alliance) allegedly inciting subversion of state power saw the dissolved HK Alliance, former co-chairs Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho, and former deputy chair Chow Hang-tung charged with inciting others to subvert state power.The trial commenced on Thursday (22nd) at West Kowloon Court (temporarily serving as the High Court). Defendant Albert Ho pleaded guilty in court, while the remaining defendants—including the first defendant, the Alliance; the second defendant, Lee Cheuk-yan; and the fourth defendant, Chow Hang-tung—pleaded not guilty. After the prosecution read out the admission of facts, Albert Ho indicated agreement with the summary of facts and relevant schedules. The judge consequently declared him guilty and adjourned the trial for sentencing and mitigation.
Prison van entering the court. Photo by Bastille Post reporter
Following the defendants' pleas, Senior Counsel Erik Shum Sze-man, representing Albert Ho, argued that the lengthy case facts rendered it unnecessary to read out the over 30-page agreed facts in court. However, Judge Alex Lee Wan-tang countered that as this was a public trial attracting significant public interest, the public deserved to understand the case details, instructing the prosecution to proceed with reading the agreed facts.
The prosecution read out that since its establishment, the Alliance had consistently adopted "ending one-party dictatorship" as one of its five core principles, serving as its fundamental tenet and objective. Both before and after the National Security Law came into effect, it had extensively advocated and propagated this stance. Following the law's enactment,the acts of advocating and disseminating "ending one-party dictatorship" involved in this case constituted the offence of inciting others to subvert state power.
The prosecution contends that the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party constitutes the most essential characteristic of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The Alliance's platform of "ending one-party dictatorship" amounts to terminating the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party. This is categorically impermissible under the national Constitution, constitutes a violation thereof, and no lawful means exist to terminate the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.
The prosecution further contends that since its establishment on 15 June 1989, the Alliance has for many years openly propagated its agenda through various avenues and channels. With the objective of "ending the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party", it sought public endorsement and endeavoured to implement the proposition of "ending one-party dictatorship". It incited others to employ unlawful means contrary to the national Constitution to achieve the unlawful goal of "ending the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party".
During the period covered by the charges, Albert Ho, together with Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung held key positions within the Alliance. Lee served as Chairman, while Ho and Chow held the posts of Vice-Chairmen. They persistently incited others to organise, plan, implement, or participate in the implementation of the programme or advocacy of "ending one-party dictatorship", to overthrow or undermine the fundamental system of the People's Republic of China established by the Constitution of the State, and to overthrow the central organs of state power, with the aim of subverting state power.intending that those incited would organise, plan, implement or participate in actions to end the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party through illegal means violating the national constitution.
Senior Counsel Erik Shum Sze-man, representing Albert Ho. Photo by Bastille Post reporter
Lee Cheuk-yan, Albert Ho and Chow Hang-tung also incited others to support and perpetuate the operation of the Alliance, thereby continuing to advocate and propagate the programme or proposition of "ending one-party dictatorship" and amplifying the effect of that unlawful programme or proposition. Examples include inciting others to join or endorse the Alliance,inciting others to advocate and propagate the Alliance's platform, participate in or support its activities, and raise funds.
The prosecution contends that the Alliance possesses organisational structure, public character and continuity, with over 200 member groups. It elects 20 standing committee members annually to manage daily affairs and regularly holds events such as the June Fourth vigil each year. It operates and maintains the so-called "June Fourth Memorial Museum", disseminates content, and organises various activities.During the 2019-2020 financial year, the Alliance's net assets stood at HK$13.24 million, with total income of HK$2.03 million. Of this, HK$650,000 originated from donations, while HK$1.15 million derived from event revenues.
The prosecution further contended that over many years, the Alliance had utilised various avenues to propagate its advocacy for "ending one-party dictatorship," thereby seeking to garner broader public endorsement and support. This, it was alleged, incited individuals to organise, plan, implement, or participate in acts aimed at subverting state power.
The prosecution noted that following the enactment of the National Security Law, Albert Ho continued to hold key positions within the Alliance, including Vice-Chairman, Director, and Standing Committee Member. The Alliance utilised diverse channels to propagate its organisational structure and advocacy, alongside fundraising activities. These included departments such as Organisation, Communications and Publications; Education and Youth; the establishment of the so-called "June Fourth Memorial Museum";internet platforms, organising exhibitions, publishing newsletters, and utilising online social media platforms. Under the guise of so-called democratic concepts, it disseminated negative content targeting the state, thereby inciting public aversion and hatred towards state power.
The prosecution further cited multiple specific instances demonstrating that Albert Ho, together with Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, repeatedly made statements in various public forums under the HKASN banner inciting others to subvert state power.
The case is being heard by three Hong Kong National Security Law designated judges of the Court of First Instance of the High Court: Mr Justice Lee Wan-tang, Mr Justice Chan Chung-hang and Madam Justice Lai Yuen-kee. The trial is expected to last 75 days.
The defendants are the Alliance, Lee Cheuk-yan, Albert Ho Chun-yan, and Chow Hang-tung. The charges allege that between 1 July 2020 and 8 September 2021 (both dates inclusive), the four defendants incited others in Hong Kong to organise, plan, implement, or participate in acts aimed at subverting state power by unlawful means.
Foreign consular officials in Hong Kong enter the courtroom to observe proceedings. Photo by Bastille Post reporter.
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 21) released the fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering 12 survey areas, as follows:
District |
Survey Area |
May 2026 |
First Phase Gravidtrap Index |
First Phase Density Index |
Eastern |
Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho |
9.1% |
1.4 |
Islands |
Tung Chung |
2.0% |
1.0 |
Kowloon City |
Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan |
6.7% |
1.5 |
Tai Po |
Tai Po East |
2.2% |
2.0 |
Tai Po West |
15.5% |
1.0 |
Tuen Mun |
Tuen Mun South |
9.1% |
1.4 |
District |
Survey Area |
May 2026 |
Area Gravidtrap Index |
Area Density Index |
Central and Western |
Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui |
16.8% |
1.3 |
Eastern |
Chai Wan |
15.4% |
1.0 |
North Point and Quarry Bay |
18.9% |
1.4 |
Southern |
Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau |
20.8% |
1.7 |
Sha Tin |
Sha Tin Town Centre and Fo Tan |
18.3% |
1.4 |
Tsuen Wan |
Tsuen Wan Town |
6.9% |
2.3 |
The fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May includes First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas. Among which, six survey areas recorded gravidtrap indexes above 10 per cent, while Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau in Southern District recorded a gravidtrap index above 20 per cent. Meanwhile, the gravidtrap indexes of six survey areas, namely Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui in Central and Western District; North Point and Quarry Bay in Eastern District; Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho in Eastern District; Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau in Southern District; Tai Po East in Tai Po District; and Tuen Mun South in Tuen Mun District, have recorded a decrease as compared to the indexes recorded in the last survey period, reflecting the progress of relevant mosquito control work.
With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall recorded in April this year were higher than those in the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. With the increase in rainfall in May, the gravidtrap indexes are expected to rise further.
For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. The FEHD has initiated two prosecutions against the relevant construction site contractors following the discovery of mosquito breeding at construction sites in Tai Po District and Southern District. Moreover, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in a park, a construction site, a private housing estate, a clinic and a private premises in Tai Po District, Central and Western District, as well as Southern District, the FEHD has issued five statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.
Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:
tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;
remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department's webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
