High Court Denies Chow Hang-tung's Plea; Subversion Trial Moves Forward

In a significant legal decision, Hong Kong's High Court has denied an application from pro-democracy activist Chow Hang-tung to terminate a subversion trial that involves her and fellow members of a formerly active democratic group. The charges fall under the China-imposed National Security Law.

Chow, aged 40, previously served as vice-chair of the now-dissolved Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. Alongside two other former leaders, Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho, she could face life imprisonment for allegedly inciting subversion of state power. The accusations claim they incited others to engage in acts with a view to subverting state power between July 2020 and September 2021.

Chow, defending herself, argued the prosecution's allegations were vague and amounted to a broadly defined catch-all crime jeopardizing a fair trial. Despite her arguments, the application was dismissed by the court, with the trial scheduled to commence on January 22. All three accused remain in custody, with Ho set to plead guilty while Chow and Lee intend to plead not guilty.