Last week, a Hong Kong court concluded the final arguments in the national security trial against Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, both former organisers of the annual vigil commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. ITUC-Asia Pacific expresses deep concern over the continuing persecution of Lee Cheuk-yan, former General Secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions and a long-standing figure in the international trade union movement, and Chow Hang-tung, human rights lawyer and labour rights advocate.
A verdict is expected in July. The two activists face charges of “inciting subversion of state power” under the National Security Law and could face up to ten years’ imprisonment.
“For decades, Lee Cheuk-yan has stood courageously for workers’ rights, democracy, freedom of association, and human dignity. His prosecution symbolises the continuing erosion of democratic space and the repression of independent trade unionism in Hong Kong,” Shoya Yoshida, ITUC-Asia Pacific General Secretary, said.
ITUC-Asia Pacific recalls that its 27th Regional General Council, held in Nadi, Fiji in October 2025, unanimously adopted the Resolution on Solidarity with the Imprisoned Trade Unionists and the Independent Trade Union Movement in Hong Kong. The resolution condemned the arbitrary detention and sentencing of Hong Kong trade unionists, expressed solidarity with imprisoned labour activists, and called on affiliates and the international community to continue campaigning for their release and defending trade union rights in Hong Kong.
ITUC-Asia Pacific reiterates its solidarity with Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung, and all trade unionists and democratic activists facing persecution. Trade unions must never be criminalised for peacefully defending workers’ rights and democratic freedoms.
“We call on ITUC-Asia Pacific affiliates and the wider international community to continue speaking out, campaigning for the release of Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung. Your solidarity matters immensely, as silence in the face of repression will only encourage further attacks on fundamental rights and freedoms,” Shoya Yoshida said.
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