The chair of Hong Kong’s League of Social Democrats (LSD) announced Sunday that the pro-democracy party will disband, marking the dissolution of the last remaining active pro-democracy group in Hong Kong.
Chairperson Chan Po-ying cited “immense political pressure” as a key factor behind the decision and voiced concerns about the potential consequences for group members. Chan declined to disclose more specific reasons or provide an exact timeline for the dissolution
In the press release, Chan elaborated on the challenges the group has faced. She said: “We have endured internal conflicts, the near-total imprisonment of our leadership, and the erosion of civil society. Red lines are omnipresent, and dissent faces draconian suppression.”
During the announcement, LSD members gathered beneath a banner displaying a quote from American novelist Jack London: “I would rather be ashes than dust.”
Chan described the dissolution as part of a “domino effect.” Since China’s controversial national security law was passed in 2020, the LSD has become the third major pro-democracy party to collapse. The Civic Party folded in March 2024, and the Democratic Party, the city’s largest opposition group, announced its intention to start disbanding in April this year.
Co-founded in 2006 by former lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, the LSD is best known for championing the rights and interests of marginalized communities in Hong Kong, including laborers, refugees, and the LGBTQ+ community. The self-described “radical democratic party” organized protests, engaged in civil resistance, and challenged government decisions through judicial reviews. This approach differed from the “peaceful and moderate” stance of traditional democratic parties, as stated on the party’s official website.
Over the past five years, authorities have imprisoned six LSD leaders, including former party chairman Leung Kwok-hung, who was jailed for organizing and participating in an unofficial primary election in July 2020.
China has increased its control over Hong Kong in recent years and has especially targeted political opposition. Fernando Cheung, spokesperson for Amnesty Hong Kong Overseas Section, recently revealed that the organization and its members have faced constant surveillance, harassment, fines, and intimidation. Prior to significant dates—the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre on June 4 and the anniversary of the 1997 “handover” of Hong Kong from the UK to China on July 1—authorities summoned party members, issued warnings, conducted searches, and made arrests to stop demonstrations.
