Hong Kong court convicts Tiananmen vigil organizers of subversion

Hong Kong’s high court on [insert date if known, otherwise omit] found three organizers of the annual Tiananmen Square vigil guilty of inciting subversion, in a case closely watched by international rights groups. The defendants—[insert names if available from source; if not, use “the three activists”]—were convicted for their role in planning and promoting the June 4 remembrance event, which authorities had banned under the national security law. The court ruled that the organizers’ actions constituted an attempt to “subvert state power,” a charge that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date. The verdict marks the latest in a series of legal actions against pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong since the security law took effect in 2020. The law criminalizes acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Defense lawyers said they plan to appeal, arguing that the vigil was a peaceful commemoration. The government has not commented on the ruling beyond the court statement. The case has drawn attention from international observers, but the Hong Kong government maintains that the law is necessary to protect national security and social order.