21st March 2023 – (Hong Kong) The National Security Department of Hong Kong has arrested former chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, Albert Ho. He is accused of interfering with a witness during his bail period. The arrest occurred early this morning.
Ho, a solicitor and politician, has had a long career in Hong Kong politics. He was the former chairman of the Democratic Party from 2006 to 2012 and a former member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong for District Council (Second) constituency.
In September 2021, Ho resigned from his leadership positions within the Hong Kong Alliance, the China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group, and the New School for Democracy. The resignations followed heavy attacks by authorities against the Alliance, with two national security investigations underway against it and its lead members.
Ho had previously pleaded guilty to taking part in or inciting others to participate in the 2020 Tiananmen Massacre vigil. He was sentenced on 15th September, 2021 to a total of 10 months in prison after being found guilty of the participation and incitement charges relating to the vigil.
Ho along with Lee Cheuk-yan, and Tonyee Chow Hang-tung, has been charged with inciting others to organise, plan, implement, or participate in acts aimed at overthrowing the state power of the People’s Republic of China by illegal means, specifically to overturn or destroy the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China or overthrow its central government, between 1st July, 2020, and 8th September, 2021, in Hong Kong.
Last year in August, Ho was granted bail of HK$700,000 in cash and HK$400,000 in surety, on the condition that he surrenders his travel documents, does not leave Hong Kong, complies with the curfew, and reports to the police station three times a week. Furthermore, he is prohibited from making any remarks or engaging in any conduct that endangers national security, directly or indirectly, and from contacting any foreign officials in any way.
Ho’s first bail application over a charge of subversion of state power in relation to his role in the Hong Kong Alliance was rejected on 20th July, 2022. However, the second bail application was granted on August 22nd, 2022.