One of Hong Kong’s last active pro-democracy voices, the League of Social Democrats, has officially disbanded. The party, known for its street-level protests and strong grassroots presence, said it could no longer continue under the intense pressure it faced.
Founded nearly two decades ago, the League was one of the final groups that dared to publicly challenge the political status quo. Its office wall, once decorated with protest signs, featured court slips spelling out the word “freedom” in Chinese characters.
Party chairperson Chan Po Ying explained that the decision was made after long consideration. “The red lines are now everywhere,” she said. Though she declined to provide specific details, she noted that everything in the city has become politicised, making it hard for any political group to operate freely.
The announcement came just days before the fifth anniversary of Beijing’s national security law in Hong Kong. The law was passed in 2020 after a year of mass protests that often turned violent. While authorities said the law was needed to restore order, critics argue it has effectively silenced all forms of political opposition.
The League of Social Democrats becomes the third major opposition party to disband in 2025. In a statement, the group said it had faced constant threats and scrutiny over the years. Many of its top members had been jailed. Others left the city or were forced out of public life.
“For 19 years, we endured internal struggles, arrests, and saw the decline of civil voices. Now, the risk is too high to continue,” read the statement.
Vice-chairman Dickson Chau echoed this concern. He told the BBC that Hong Kong no longer offers a safe space for political parties. “I think the political rights have almost totally gone,” he said. Chau also revealed that in 2023, the party’s bank accounts were shut down. In total, six members have been jailed over the last five years.
In early June, three members were fined for hanging a banner and collecting public donations without permission. The move was seen by critics as part of ongoing efforts to shut down political expression.
Chau said the loss of meaningful opposition could lead citizens to forget the power of collective action. “If there are no active parties left, people will lose the idea that they can speak up together,” he warned.
He added that he now fears police action even if he steps back from politics. “If I stay silent, I still may not be safe,” he said. “Even ordinary people now have to think twice before doing anything.”
A Chinese official, Xia Baolong, recently said that anti-China forces continue to operate in Hong Kong and must be dealt with. His speech suggested that more control is still to come. In March 2024, Hong Kong passed a new security law under Article 23. It covers charges like sedition and treason, adding to the earlier law’s focus on subversion.
Since these laws took effect, many political figures have left the region or been arrested. Few opposition groups remain active. Most public protests have stopped. Analysts say the once-vibrant civil society in Hong Kong has largely disappeared.
Still, Chau insists that staying silent is not an option. “Why should I stay in Hong Kong if I don’t do anything?” he asked. “The future is hard—not only for politicians but also for regular people.”
His words reflect the deep sense of fear now felt across the city. For many, even peaceful acts of protest or simple civic actions carry serious risks.
The League’s closure marks a key moment in Hong Kong’s political history. It reflects how hard it has become to speak out, even in a city once known for its open debate and free press.
