Hong Kong pro-democracy political party League of Social Democrats announced it had disbanded due to immense political pressure, the latest casualty in a years-long crackdown that has already quieted much of the city’s once-vocal opposition.
Following massive anti-government 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 pro-democracy party that still staged small street protests from time to time and held street booth activities to carry on its advocacy despite the risks.
Founded in 2006, the League of Social Democrats was a left-wing political party that opposed what it called 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 when fighting for change.
Last year, two former party leaders were sentenced to nearly seven years and more than four years over their roles in an unofficial primary election under the sweeping security law. Read more here.
