The League of Social Democrats, one of Hong Kong's last significant pro-democracy parties, has publicly declared its disbandment amidst increasing pressure on opposition groups. Members gathered at their office, using court admission slips to spell out the characters for "freedom," and made their announcement on Sunday.
The chairperson, Chan Po Ying, explained the decision came after "careful deliberation" and cited the overwhelming political climate, with everything seen as politicized and the presence of numerous "red lines." Chan noted that the party faced immense pressure, and many members shared their sentiments through a loudspeaker, standing in front of a poignant banner that proclaimed, "rather be ashes than dust."
Founded nearly 20 years ago, the League of Social Democrats has been at the forefront of protests and advocacy for civil rights in Hong Kong. It is now the third prominent opposition group to disband this year, highlighting the diminishing political space for dissenters in the region.
The dissolution follows closely on the fifth anniversary of the Beijing-imposed national security law, which critics argue has been utilized to systematically dismantle political opposition. The party released a statement detailing the hardships it faced, from internal disputes to the imprisonment of its leadership, while stressing the erosion of civil society.
Vice-chairman Dickson Chau expressed deep concerns about the safety of political activists in Hong Kong, claiming, "It’s no longer safe to actually run a political party." He emphasized that political rights are virtually nonexistent and described a future filled with uncertainty for all citizens, highlighting how ordinary individuals also feel the weight of the oppressive climate.
On a broader scale, this disbandment serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by political entities in Hong Kong. With the national security law criminalizing subversion and dissent, many leaders and activists are either imprisoned or forced into exile.
The closure of the League of Social Democrats reflects the escalating difficulties in expressing opposition and the pervasive fear that grips activists, leaving many to question the viability of collective political action in a landscape increasingly hostile to dissent.
