Court of First Instance Hands Down Sentences in Incitement to Subversion Case of "Hong Kong Alliance"

2026-09-11 14:46 Last Updated At：15:14

Court of First Instance hands down sentences in incitement to subversion case of "Hong Kong Alliance"

Regarding the case concerning the "Hong Kong Alliance" (the Alliance), Lee Cheuk-yan, Ho Chun-yan and Chow Hang-tung, who were charged with incitement to subversion (contrary to Article 23 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL)), following the verdict of conviction delivered by the Court of First Instance of the High Court on August 21, sentences were handed down today (September 11). Chow Hang-tung was sentenced to imprisonment for seven years and three months, and Lee Cheuk-yan was sentenced to imprisonment for seven years. Ho Chun-yan, who had earlier pleaded guilty, was sentenced to imprisonment for five years and two months, and the "Hong Kong Alliance" was sentenced to a fine of $1,500,000.

Click to Gallery

Prison van arrives at court. Photo by Bastille Post

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, Photo source: reference image

The case was sentenced at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts. Photo by Bastille Post

Photo source: reference image

More Images

Prison van arrives at court. Photo by Bastille Post

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, Photo source: reference image

The case was sentenced at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts. Photo by Bastille Post

Photo source: reference image

The court ruled that the present case was of a "serious nature", pointing out that although the HKNSL had been implemented at the material time, some individuals were still unwilling to accept the exercise of sovereignty by the state over the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, nor were they willing to accept the constitutional order established by the Constitution of the People's Republic of China (the Constitution) and the Basic Law. The defendants engaged in criminal acts of incitement amid a turbulent and unsettled social atmosphere, putting national security and public order at greater risk. The defendants possessed mobilising power and influence in Hong Kong. Their criminal activities persisted for as long as 14 months, and were committed through various activities and online platforms. The relevant activities were city-wide with an extensive reach, influencing people of different age groups, and their potential harm must not be underestimated. Despite the defendants' belief that their agenda might be in breach of the Constitution and the HKNSL, they recalcitrantly pursued their course of conduct after the HKNSL came into effect, vigorously advocating and promoting their agenda, which was premeditated.

The court reiterated in its reasons for sentence that the HKNSL had no retrospective effect and that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political ideology or their conduct before the HKNSL. They were convicted solely on the basis that they had committed acts prohibited under the HKNSL after the HKNSL came into effect.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, "The court has pointed out clearly in its reasons for the verdict of conviction handed down earlier that the very aim of the Alliance's agendas was to overthrow and undermine the leadership by the Communist Party of China (CPC) under the Constitution. The defendants intended to cause others to lose confidence in the CPC by stirring up hostility and causing division, so as to achieve the objective of undermining the fundamental system of the People's Republic of China (PRC). After the implementation of the HKNSL, the defendants refused to pull back from the brink and were bent on acting wilfully, attempting to make use of the Alliance to subvert state power.

"This case shows that anyone who intends to incite subversion and endanger national security will ultimately be punished in accordance with the law and such acts will absolutely not be tolerated. The law never allows anyone to openly harm one's own country and compatriots by employing confounding tactics under the pretext of human rights, democracy and freedom. As pointed out by the court in the reasons for verdict, what the defendants did in this case had already gone beyond the scope of lawful freedom of expression, and constituted acts of inciting others to subvert state power by unlawful means. The sentences today demonstrate the court's confirmation that the offences committed by the defendants were extremely serious and warrant severe punishment to uphold the rule of law."

A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said, "The Constitution of the PRC is the fundamental law of the state. The Constitution and the Basic Law jointly establish the constitutional order of the HKSAR. The basic and core components of the Constitution, such as those related to constitutional order, national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, shall apply to the HKSAR. The core of the constitutional order of the state is the establishment of the CPC's position as the governing party. The leadership by the CPC is the core of the fundamental system of the PRC established by the Constitution. Article 1 of the Constitution expressly prohibits any organisation or individual from damaging the socialist system. Article 22 of the HKNSL explicitly prohibits anyone from organising, planning, committing or participating in acts by force, threat of force or other unlawful means with a view to subverting state power, such as overthrowing or undermining the fundamental system of the PRC established by the Constitution, or overthrowing the body of central power of the PRC. Under the Constitution, overthrowing or undermining the leadership status of the CPC is tantamount to overthrowing or undermining the fundamental system of the PRC established by the Constitution to which Article 22 of the HKNSL refers."

The spokesman also pointed out, "The HKSAR Government has noticed that various western countries, anti-China organisations, politicians and foreign media have recently launched malicious attacks and smears on various cases including this case. The HKSAR Government has reiterated on multiple occasions, just as the court has stated clearly, the defendants of this case were put on trial not because of their political views or beliefs. The court would only consider the laws and evidence relevant to the case to decide whether the prosecution is able to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt. All defendants received a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong, as guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, free from any interference."

The spokesman stressed, "The HKSAR Government has the responsibility to safeguard national security, and will resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security. In this regard, the HKSAR Government will, in accordance with the principle of the rule of law, ensure that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account, and prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law."

InvestHK Showcases Hong Kong's Advantages for Enterprises' Global Expansion at Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026

InvestHK highlights Hong Kong's "AI+" and "Finance+" strengths at Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 to support Chinese Mainland enterprises' going global

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) participated in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 in Shanghai on September 9 and 10. Through a thematic forum, dedicated exhibition booth and a series of engagement activities, InvestHK showcased Hong Kong's unique strengths as an international financial centre and international innovation and technology hub. It also highlighted how the city's 'Finance+' and 'AI+' strengths support Chinese Mainland enterprises in advancing innovation and expanding into international markets. Held under the theme "Co-creating the New AI Economy", this year's Conference brought together technology companies, industry leaders, innovation and technology organisations, and start-ups from around the world. InvestHK has deepened its engagement further this year, by promoting Hong Kong’s integrated strengths in capital, technology, talent and professional services, helping enterprises seize new opportunities and accelerate their international expansion.

The Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Huangpu District, Ms Xu Huili, said, "As globalisation continues to accelerate, going global has become a priority for many enterprises. As a world-renowned international financial centre, Hong Kong offers a mature capital market, a strong professional services ecosystem, a legal system aligned with international standards, and a rich pool of talent. Hong Kong has become an important platform for Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking to expand globally. In the first half of this year, the Huangpu District (Hong Kong) Talent Liaison and Enterprise Going Global Service Station was officially launched in Hong Kong, alongside the successful staging of the 'Creator·H²' Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. From connecting I&T resources to developing high-level innovation platforms, and from talent exchanges to project matchmaking, a series of practical initiatives is gradually translating into tangible results as Huangpu District and Hong Kong join forces to support Chinese Mainland enterprises in going global. Looking ahead, Huangpu District will further deepen collaboration with relevant departments and organisations in Hong Kong, and actively promote co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong in areas including policy alignment, talent exchanges and capital connectivity, creating a pathway for enterprises to expand from Shanghai to the global stage."

The Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech & Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung, said, "Chinese Mainland enterprises are entering a new phase of internationalisation, where integrated development is driven by technology, brands, capital and supply chain. As a key node in the country's dual circulation strategy, the Yangtze River Delta is home to a growing number of companies with global competitiveness. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to support this next stage of growth. As an international financial centre and international innovation and technology hub, the city brings together capital, market and talent connectivity, while providing comprehensive support across financing, research and development, professional services and overseas business expansion for enterprises. As a "Super Connector" and "Super Value-Adder", Hong Kong will continue to help Chinese Mainland enterprises seize opportunities arising from the AI era, connect with international markets and accelerate their global development."

Hong Kong Forum explores new opportunities for enterprise global expansion

One of the highlights of this year's Conference was the Hong Kong Forum organised by InvestHK under the theme "Sailing the Digital Ocean — Hong Kong's 'FinTech+' Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally". The Forum formed part of a broader Hong Kong delegation of more than 20 representatives from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, regulators, financial institutions, innovation and technology organisations, and the business community to explore emerging trends and opportunities of Chinese Mainland enterprise globalisation. Discussions focused on key issues ranging from fundraising and treasury management to innovation, talent, cross-border compliance and international expansion, showcasing how Hong Kong supports enterprises at different stages of their global growth journey.

As a showcase of Hong Kong's "Finance+" and "AI+" advantages, the Forum convened representatives from the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, InvestHK, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited alongside leaders from the financial, technology and professional services sectors. Through policy dialogues, thematic discussions and business case studies, participants examined how Hong Kong supports Chinese Mainland enterprises throughout their go-global journey, from policy advantages, financing and innovation to global market expansion.

Participants noted that Chinese Mainland enterprises are moving beyond traditional product exports towards a more sophisticated phase of globalisation. They must develop endtoend capabilities spanning global capital mobility, innovation and research and development (R&D), compliance and crossborder operations. Against this backdrop, the Forum explored practical strategies for enhancing global treasury efficiency through Hong Kong's cross-border Renminbi network, multi-currency treasury management capabilities and fintech infrastructure; promoting offshore R&D and AI innovation capabilities through Hong Kong's research talent pool, start-up ecosystem and IP protection regime fosters offshore R&D and AI innovation; and navigating cross-border compliance , supply chain, digital infrastructure challenges across markets and other challenges. Discussions also covered the role of policy initiatives and market mechanisms, ranging from company establishment, tax incentives, talent attraction, to capital markets access and cross-border financing solutions, providing enterprises with a clearer development path from establishing a presence in Hong Kong and consolidating resources to expanding their global business.

Hong Kong pavilion highlights the city's advantages and deepening Shanghai-Hong Kong collaboration

During the Conference, InvestHK showcased Hong Kong's integrated strengths as a platform for enterprise globalisation through a dedicated booth, with Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK highlighting as the city's latest developments in financial services, innovation and technology. The pavilion demonstrated how Hong Kong's "AI+" and "Finance+" strengths support innovation of Chinese Mainland enterprises, connect them with global opportunities and help businesses expand internationally. Through its participation in the Conference, InvestHK further strengthened engagement with enterprises from the Yangtze River Delta, encouraging them to leverage Hong Kong's flagship platforms, including Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK, as gateways to international markets and growth opportunities.

InvestHK's participation in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund for a second consecutive year reflects the growing momentum of collaboration between Shanghai and Hong Kong in fintech, innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise internationalisation. Looking ahead, InvestHK will continue to strengthen engagement with the Yangtze River Delta and other regions across the country, fostering closer connections betwen innovation, industry and capital. As enterprises navigate the opportunities presented by AI, industrial transformation and a rapidly evolving global economy, Hong Kong will continue to play a unique role in helping businesses connect with global markets, build international capabilities, and achieve high quality growth.

Court of First Instance Hands Down Sentences in Incitement to Subversion Case of "Hong Kong Alliance"

HK