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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : Los Angeles Times
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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : Los Angeles Times
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The last Hong Kong pro-democracy party that held street protests disbands

In a significant development reflecting the ongoing erosion of political freedoms in Hong Kong, the last pro-democracy party in the city that once organized street protests has officially disbanded. The Civic Party, a prominent political group founded in 2006, announced its dissolution, marking the end of an era for organized pro-democracy movements that were once a vibrant part of Hong Kong’s political landscape. This move comes amid a broader crackdown on dissent by the Chinese government, which has systematically dismantled opposition groups and silenced critical voices since the introduction of the National Security Law in 2020. The disbandment of the Civic Party symbolizes the near-total suppression of political pluralism in a city that was once heralded as a bastion of free expression and civil liberties in Asia.

The Civic Party was established with a mission to advocate for democratic reforms, rule of law, and the protection of human rights in Hong Kong. It emerged during a time of growing frustration among Hong Kong residents over the slow pace of political reform and the increasing influence of Beijing over the city’s governance. The party quickly became a key player in the pro-democracy camp, known for its moderate stance compared to more radical factions, and it focused on legal and constitutional avenues to push for greater autonomy and universal suffrage. Its members included prominent lawyers, academics, and activists who sought to balance advocacy with pragmatism, often engaging in legislative work within Hong Kong’s limited democratic framework while also mobilizing public support through peaceful demonstrations.

Over the years, the Civic Party played a pivotal role in several major protest movements that defined Hong Kong’s struggle for democracy. It was instrumental in organizing and supporting the 2014 Umbrella Movement, a 79-day occupation of key city areas by protesters demanding genuine universal suffrage for the election of Hong Kong’s chief executive. The movement, characterized by its iconic yellow umbrellas used as shields against police pepper spray, brought international attention to the city’s democratic aspirations but ultimately failed to secure significant concessions from Beijing. The Civic Party’s involvement in this and subsequent protests cemented its reputation as a cornerstone of the pro-democracy movement, even as it faced growing pressure from authorities who viewed such activism as a threat to national security and stability.

The turning point for the Civic Party, and for Hong Kong’s broader pro-democracy movement, came with the imposition of the National Security Law by Beijing in June 2020. The sweeping legislation, enacted in response to the massive and often violent anti-government protests of 2019, criminalized acts deemed as secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. The law’s vague definitions and harsh penalties created a chilling effect, empowering authorities to target activists, politicians, and even ordinary citizens for expressing dissent. Dozens of pro-democracy figures, including members of the Civic Party, were arrested under the law, accused of subversion for their participation in unofficial primary elections aimed at coordinating candidates for legislative elections. These arrests decimated the party’s leadership and left it unable to function effectively, as many of its key figures faced lengthy prison sentences or fled into exile to avoid prosecution.

Beyond the direct impact of the National Security Law, the Civic Party also struggled with a drastically altered political environment in Hong Kong. Electoral reforms imposed by Beijing in 2021 further marginalized pro-democracy groups by restructuring the city’s legislative and electoral systems to ensure that only “patriots” loyal to the central government could hold public office. These changes effectively barred opposition parties like the Civic Party from participating in elections, as candidates were required to pass stringent vetting processes to prove their allegiance to Beijing. With no viable path to political representation and facing constant legal and financial pressures, the party found itself unable to sustain its operations or maintain relevance in a system designed to exclude dissenting voices.

The decision to disband was not made lightly, as it represented the culmination of years of struggle against overwhelming odds. Party leaders expressed profound sadness over the closure, noting that the Civic Party had once been a symbol of hope for many Hong Kongers who believed in the possibility of democratic reform. They acknowledged that the current political climate left no room for their continued existence, as the risks of operating under the National Security Law were too great for members and supporters alike. The disbandment also reflects a broader trend of self-censorship and retreat among civil society organizations in Hong Kong, many of which have shut down rather than face potential prosecution or harassment by authorities. Independent media outlets, labor unions, and advocacy groups have similarly ceased operations, leaving a void in the city’s once-thriving civic space.

The dissolution of the Civic Party raises critical questions about the future of political opposition in Hong Kong. With no remaining pro-democracy parties willing or able to organize public protests, the city’s streets—once filled with the chants of millions demanding freedom—have fallen silent. The mass protests of 2019, which saw up to two million people march against a controversial extradition bill, now seem like a distant memory as the government enforces strict controls on public gatherings and expressions of dissent. Young activists, who were once at the forefront of these movements, have either been jailed, gone underground, or left Hong Kong entirely, seeking safety in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, which have offered pathways to residency for those fleeing political persecution.

The international community has expressed concern over the rapid deterioration of freedoms in Hong Kong, with many Western governments condemning Beijing’s actions as a violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the 1984 agreement that guaranteed Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy for 50 years after its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Critics argue that the disbandment of the Civic Party and the broader suppression of dissent demonstrate that the “one country, two systems” framework, which was meant to preserve Hong Kong’s distinct legal and political systems, has been effectively dismantled. However, Beijing and Hong Kong authorities maintain that their actions are necessary to restore stability and protect national security, accusing pro-democracy activists of colluding with foreign powers to undermine China’s sovereignty.

For many Hong Kongers, the end of the Civic Party is a poignant reminder of how much has been lost in a short span of time. The city, once celebrated for its dynamic blend of Eastern and Western influences, its robust rule of law, and its vibrant public discourse, now faces an uncertain future under increasingly authoritarian governance. While some residents hold onto hope that underground movements or international pressure might one day revive the fight for democracy, others fear that the space for resistance has been permanently closed. The Civic Party’s disbandment is not just the end of an organization but a stark symbol of the broader challenges facing Hong Kong as it navigates its identity and place within China.

In reflecting on the legacy of the Civic Party, it is clear that its contributions to Hong Kong’s democratic aspirations will not be easily forgotten, even if its physical presence has been erased. The party’s efforts to advocate for universal suffrage, protect civil liberties, and hold the government accountable inspired a generation of activists and ordinary citizens to believe in the possibility of change. Its members, many of whom sacrificed their personal safety and freedom for their ideals, embodied a commitment to justice and democracy that resonated deeply with the people of Hong Kong. As the city moves forward under tightened control, the memory of the Civic Party and the movements it supported serves as both a source of mourning for what has been lost and a quiet reminder of the resilience and spirit that once defined Hong Kong’s fight for freedom. Whether that spirit can endure in the face of such overwhelming suppression remains an open question, one that will shape the city’s trajectory for years to come.

Read the Full Los Angeles Times Article at:
[ https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-06-29/the-last-hong-kong-pro-democracy-party-that-held-street-protests-disbands ]