Background: Albert Ho and the 2019-2020 Protests

Albert Ho, 73, a veteran figure in Hong Kong’s democratic movement, was a key participant in the widespread protests that gripped the city in 2019, initially triggered by a controversial extradition bill. These demonstrations evolved into broader calls for greater political freedoms and accountability. His subsequent involvement in commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown further solidified his position as a leading voice for democratic ideals.

The charges against Ho stemmed from his participation in three specific events: a large-scale protest on October 1, 2019, marking the founding of the People’s Republic of China; a demonstration in Kowloon on October 20, 2019; and a vigil held on June 4, 2020, to remember the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre. He also faced a conviction related to an assembly on August 18, 2019, receiving a suspended sentence in that instance.

Ho’s legal battles reflect a wider crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong following the imposition of the national security law in 2020. This legislation, enacted by Beijing, has been criticized for its broad scope and its impact on civil liberties. The law criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, leading to the arrest and prosecution of numerous activists, journalists, and politicians.

The Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal, in a gazette notice published on Friday, substantiated four complaints against Ho, citing his criminal convictions under the Legal Practitioners Ordinance. The tribunal found that his conduct was “prejudicial to the administration of justice” and “discreditable to a notary public,” ultimately leading to the seven-year suspension. Ho has been ordered to cover the costs associated with the tribunal proceedings and investigation.

The decision follows a failed appeal to the Court of Final Appeal in 2024, where Ho and his co-defendants sought to overturn their convictions, arguing that they were disproportionate to the protection of basic human rights. The court upheld the original ruling, effectively closing off avenues for legal challenge regarding these specific convictions.

Currently, Ho remains detained while awaiting trial under the national security law. He stands accused of inciting subversion alongside Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan, both prominent figures in the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. This group, known for organizing annual Tiananmen vigils, was banned by authorities in 2020.

The trial, initially scheduled for this month, has been postponed to January of next year, marking the second delay in the proceedings. Ho has indicated his intention to plead guilty, potentially facing up to ten years of imprisonment.
What does this latest development signal about the future of legal representation for pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong? And how will this impact the broader landscape of civil society within the region?

The case highlights the increasing pressure on legal professionals in Hong Kong who have been involved in pro-democracy activities. The suspension of Albert Ho’s notary public license serves as a stark warning to others and raises concerns about the erosion of the rule of law in the city.

Further complicating the situation, the postponement of the national security law trial raises questions about the pace and transparency of legal proceedings in politically sensitive cases. The delays contribute to a climate of uncertainty and anxiety among activists and their supporters.

Did You Know? The Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 remains a highly sensitive topic in mainland China, and commemorations are strictly prohibited. Hong Kong, prior to the imposition of the national security law, was one of the few places in the world where large-scale vigils were allowed.

The ongoing legal challenges faced by Albert Ho and other pro-democracy figures underscore the complex and evolving political landscape in Hong Kong. The city’s autonomy, guaranteed under the “one country, two systems” framework, has been increasingly eroded in recent years, leading to concerns about its future as a global financial and legal hub.

For more information on the impact of the national security law on Hong Kong, see Human Rights Watch’s coverage of Hong Kong and Amnesty International’s reports on Hong Kong.

Frequently Asked Questions About Albert Ho’s Case

• What charges led to Albert Ho’s suspension as a notary public?

  Albert Ho’s suspension stemmed from his criminal convictions related to knowingly taking part in, inciting others to participate in, and organizing unauthorized assemblies in 2019 and 2020.

• What is the significance of the Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal’s decision?

  The decision signifies a further tightening of restrictions on pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong and raises concerns about the independence of the legal profession.

• What is the status of Albert Ho’s trial under the national security law?

  Albert Ho is currently detained pending trial under the national security law, accused of inciting subversion. The trial has been postponed to January of next year.

• What was the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China?

  The Hong Kong Alliance was a group that organized annual vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. It was banned by authorities in 2020.

• What is the “one country, two systems” framework?

  The “one country, two systems” framework was the basis for Hong Kong’s handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997, guaranteeing the city a high degree of autonomy for 50 years.