Founded in 2006, LSD was the latest democrat to hold street protests amid national security crackdowns.
The last remaining active democracy party (LSD) in Chinese-controlled Hong Kong has announced its disbandment due to “immeasurable political pressure.”
The “difficult” decision, released on Sunday, leaves a financial hub without opposition forces holding street protests in recent years after wiping out national security laws.
In a statement, the relatively small leftist party, founded in 2006, reached conclusions after “careful deliberations,” particularly in terms of its members “on the outcome.”
“Over the last 19 years, we have endured the difficulties of internal conflict and the imprisonment of leadership, while witnessing the erosion of civil society, the decline of grassroots voices, the ubiquitous red lines, and the opposition of the past.”
However, “the road has narrowed over the path,” LSD continued, warning that “the terrain beyond is even more dangerous.”
National Security Law
China imposes national security laws on Hong Kong in 2020, punishing violations that suppressed the possibility of life sentences following mass democratic protests in 2019. Under the law, many major activists were prosecuted or imprisoned, dozens of civil society groups were dissolved, and media outlets critical of the government were shut down.
The second set of laws known as Article 23 was passed in 2024 by the city’s support council. They punish a variety of crimes, including treason, sabotage, sedation, theft of state secrets, external interference, and espionage. The sentence ranges from several years to life imprisonment.
LSD was the only democrat to hold street booth activities from time to time to continue advocacy despite the risks, and continued to advocate despite the risks.
It was less popular than the more moderate Democrats and Civic Party, but won three seats in the 2008 legislative election.
LSD is widely known for its more aggressive tactics when fighting for change. The members threw bananas, eggs and lunch meat to officials or engaged lawmakers as gestures of protest. The party’s platform said the group advocated non-violent resistance but would not avoid physical conflict.
“There are no other options.”
On Sunday, party leader Chang Poain did not elaborate on the pressures LSD had undertaken, but said he was proud that the party was still contributing to the city’s democratic movement.
“We remained true to our original desires and had not lost the trust that was placed on us by those who went to prison,” she said. “We are now forced to break up and feel pain in our conscience, but we have no other options.”
The announcement comes just before Hong Kong, a former British colony, returns to Chinese rule on Tuesday.
The city had witnessed annual democratic protests at anniversary and other demonstrations, demanding better policies, but was stopped after most organized groups were dissolved and activists were jailed.
Critics said the dramatic political changes under the security law reflect Hong Kong’s reduced freedom, despite Beijing’s promise to keep them as is after the extradition in 1997. However, the Beijing and Hong Kong governments argue that measures are needed for city stability, and say they balance security with the protection of city residents’ rights and freedoms.
In April, Hong Kong’s largest democrat, Democrats, also voted to give leadership an obligation to move towards a potential dissolution. The final vote will be expected at a later date.
