Last group of Hong Kong street protesters disbands
HONG KONG—Hong Kong prodemocracy political party League of Social Democrats (LSD) announced on Sunday that it had disbanded due to immense political pressure, the latest casualty in a yearslong crackdown that has already quieted much of the city’s once-vocal opposition.
Following massive antigovernment protests in 2019, many leading activists were prosecuted or jailed under a 2020 national security law imposed by Beijing. Dozens of civil society groups dissolved. Media outlets critical of the government shuttered.
The League of Social Democrats was the only prodemocracy party that still staged small street protests from time to time and held street booth activities to carry on its advocacy despite the risks.
Its chairperson, Chan Po-ying, said the disbandment decision was made after careful deliberation, especially taking into account the consequences to its members and comrades.
‘No choice’
“While we are now forced to disband and feel an ache in our conscience, we have no other choice,” she said.
Hong Kong, a former British colony, will mark the 28th anniversary of returning to Chinese rule on July 1. The city used to hold annual prodemocracy protests that day and other various demonstrations demanding better policies.
But the demonstrations ceased after most organizing groups were disbanded and the leading activists were jailed.
The Beijing and Hong Kong governments insist the security law is necessary for the city’s stability.
In April, Hong Kong’s biggest prodemocracy party, the Democratic Party, also voted to give its leadership the mandate to move toward a potential disbandment. Party veterans told The Associated Press (AP) that some members were warned of consequences if the party didn’t shut down.
Founded in 2006, the League of Social Democrats was a left-wing political party that opposed collusion between government and business, upheld the principle that people have a say and was firmly committed to the interests of underprivileged residents.
It was widely known for its more aggressive tactics and its members are known to throw bananas, eggs and luncheon meat at officials or pro-Beijing lawmakers as a protest gesture.
