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Hong Kong’s League of Social Democrats Announces Disbandment

Beijing’s national security law enacted in 2020 has forced the closures of other major pro-democracy parties.

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The League of Social Democrats, once spearheaderd by activist 'Long Hair' Leung Kwok-hung and one of Hong Kong's last opposition parties, said it will disband

Overview

  • The League of Social Democrats was founded in 2006 and built its reputation on boisterous street-level campaigning against social and economic inequalities.
  • It once held three seats in Hong Kong’s legislature but saw its influence wane after Beijing imposed a national security law in 2020.
  • Four members, including current leader Chan Po-ying, were fined this month for displaying a black cloth and raising funds without permits during street campaigns.
  • Figurehead Leung Kwok-hung was arrested in 2021 and jailed last year as part of a subversion case targeting 47 opposition activists.
  • The announcement follows the Democratic Party’s formal shutdown process this year and the Civic Party’s disbandment in 2023, leaving Hong Kong without significant opposition parties.