Hong Kong Opposition Party New Democratic Alliance Dissolved... Intensifying Crackdown on Hong Kong Democratic Camp

The Hong Kong pro-democracy newspaper "Apple Daily" decided to cease publication with its issue on the 24th. A supporter is holding up the final issue of Apple Daily. [Image source=Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Hong Kong's opposition party Neo Democrats has ultimately decided to disband due to government repression.

On the 26th, Neo Democrats declared the dissolution of the party through a statement posted on Facebook. The Neo Democrats stated, "Hong Kong has undergone rapid changes over the past two years, and the political environment has worsened compared to before," adding, "Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, some former members have been imprisoned, and Hong Kong authorities are forcing loyalty pledges."

Founded in 2010, Neo Democrats created a sensation by winning 19 seats in the 2019 District Council elections, but at the time of dissolution, only 8 of those members remained in the party.

The crackdown on pro-democracy forces in Hong Kong by the Chinese government is intensifying, as evidenced by the closure of Apple Daily, Hong Kong's only pro-democracy newspaper, which published its final issue on the 24th.

Earlier, in the November 2019 District Council elections, the pro-democracy camp including Neo Democrats achieved a remarkable victory by winning 392 out of 452 seats. However, after Hong Kong authorities began requiring loyalty pledges from district councilors, it is expected that 150 to 170 pro-democracy district councilors will be disqualified.

Currently, Hong Kong authorities can disqualify public officials if the sincerity of their loyalty pledge is in doubt. With the loyalty pledge deadline approaching next month, dozens of district councilors have already decided to resign.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.