In a poignant announcement on Sunday, the League of Social Democrats, one of Hong Kong's remaining pro-democracy parties, officially disbanded, as reported by various media outlets including the BBC. In a press conference marked by emotion, party chair Chan Po Ying expressed that the decision to dissolve the group was borne out of "intense pressure" and an unsustainable political environment, saying, "the red lines are now everywhere."
Founded nearly two decades ago, the League of Social Democrats has been recognized as a symbol of resistance, often taking to the streets to advocate for democratic reforms. Their farewell came just days before the fifth anniversary of the controversial national security law imposed by Beijing, which critics claim has systematically dismantled the city’s political opposition.
In their statement, the League reflected on nearly two decades of struggle, mentioning internal conflicts, leadership imprisonment, and the increasing erosion of civil society. They lamented the "draconian suppression of dissent" evident in the city, suggesting that the national security law has significantly curtailed political freedoms. Vice-chairman Dickson Chau elaborated on the grim mood among activists, stating, “It’s no longer safe to actually run a political party.”
Notably, the group highlighted recent legal challenges, including fines for participating in peaceful activism, that have contributed to their decision to close down. “If you want to exercise your right as a citizen, it’s very difficult,” Chau noted, underlining a sentiment shared among many activists in Hong Kong.
The disbanding of the League of Social Democrats underscores a growing trend of diminishing spaces for political expression and activism in Hong Kong, leaving many citizens grappling with the loss of their rights and the fading memory of a vocal civil society.
