Four former Hong Kong University (HKU) student union leaders have gone on trial for “promoting terrorism” under the National Security Law (NSL). The trial comes after they issued a resolution mourning the death of Leung Kin-fai, who stabbed a police officer on July 1, 2021, and then killed himself. Friends showed up to support the defendants.
Friends turned out Monday morning to support the 4 former HKU student union leaders whose trial for "promoting terrorism" under the NSL begins, for issuing a resolution mourning the death of Leung Kin-fai, who stabbed a police officer on Jul 1, 2021 & then killed himself. pic.twitter.com/j7W1wPuzmT
— Hong Kong Democracy Council (@hkdc_us) September 11, 2023
Friends gathered on Monday morning to show their support for the four former student union leaders from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) as their trial for “promoting terrorism” under the National Security Law (NSL) began. The leaders are being charged for issuing a resolution mourning the death of Leung Kin-fai, who stabbed a police officer on July 1, 2021, before taking his own life.
The trial, which commenced amidst a highly charged political atmosphere in Hong Kong, has attracted significant attention both domestically and internationally. Supporters of the former student leaders argue that their actions were merely an expression of grief and not an endorsement of violence or terrorism.
The friends who gathered outside the courthouse held placards and banners calling for justice and expressing solidarity with the accused. Many of them wore black clothing, a symbol of mourning and protest in Hong Kong. Despite the risk of potential repercussions under the NSL, these individuals demonstrated their unwavering support for the former student leaders and their right to freedom of expression.
The case has reignited concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and academic freedom in Hong Kong. Critics of the NSL argue that it is being used to suppress dissent and curtail the autonomy that was promised to the city under the “one country, two systems” framework.
As the trial progresses, it is likely to continue fueling debates about the balance between national security and individual rights in Hong Kong. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the future of free speech and activism in the city..