Hong Kong opposition party folds over ‘political pressure’ and ‘safety fears’

Hong Kong’s opposition League of Social Democrats on Sunday cited “immense political pressure” and the “safety” of its members in folding the party months before its 20th anniversary.

“Facing immense political pressure, and having considered all factors, especially the safety of our members and those who walk with us, we can only sadly announce our dissolution,” party chairwoman Chan Po-ying said.

Asked to specify the “political pressure” it faced, Chan said she could say nothing beyond a “disbandment statement” the party had prepared.

A party press conference at a Chai Wan industrial building was attended by Chan and six members, including Figo Chan Ho-wun, Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit, Raphael Wong Ho-ming and Tsang Kin-shing.

There was a heavy police presence outside the venue, while dozens of media outlets packed the small room.

Reading the statement, titled “Rather be ashes than dust”, Chan said the party, established 19 years ago, had recently experienced a “crisis where almost all of its leadership faced imprisonment due to civil disobedience”.