We are no threat to national security, group behind Tiananmen Square vigil in Hong Kong tells security chief

Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China responds to Chris Tang ahead of its vote on disbanding

Minister will recommend to city leader that the group’s company registration be cancelled over alleged security law violations

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Hong Kong residents attend the June 4 candlelight vigil in Victoria Park in 2019. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 8:33pm, 24 Sep 2021Updated: 10:02pm, 24 Sep 2021

A core member of the group behind Hong Kong’s annual Tiananmen Square vigil has told the Security Bureau it does not pose a threat to national security ahead of a key vote by the organisation on whether to disband.

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China was responding to a Friday deadline set by Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung for information as part of his decision to revoke the alliance’s company registration over alleged national security law violations.

National security police raid the June 4 museum in Mong Kok on September 9. Photo: May Tse

Alliance secretary Richard Tsoi Yiu-cheong said it was difficult for the group to respond to each of the authorities’ inquiries in detail, as all standing committee members had “lost their freedom” and could not meet to discuss the matter.

The group disagreed with allegations made by Tang and the police commissioner, Tsoi said.

“The alliance also failed to see clear and sufficient grounds from the government that our existence would pose threats to national security, public safety and public order,” the letter read, adding the organisation intended to dissolve after 32 years of activism.