Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy party, the Social Democrats League (LSD), announced on Sunday (29) its dissolution under “immense political pressure”, in another chapter of the repression of the Chinese communist regime against independent voices in the territory.
The group, founded in 2006, was one of the few organizations still active to publicly challenge the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) over Hong Kong.
The party president, Chan Po-Ying, stated that the decision was made in the face of the climb of repression and the risks faced by the members, noting that the principle of “one country, two systems” no longer exists.
“We have already lived under a country, a system,” he said in an emotional press conference.
In recent years, Chinese communist authorities have intensified repression with the National Security Act, which has practically eliminated free demonstrations, parties, and press in Hong Kong. Since then, opposing leaders have been arrested, critical communication vehicles have been closed and even other pro-democracy historical parties dissolved.
With the end of the Social Democrats League, activists warn of the complete disappearance of institutionalized opposition in the city.
“We will not be the last to fall,” the party said in a statement. Even in the face of repression, former members said they will continue to support those who fight for freedom in Hong Kong, albeit silently.
