The League of Social Democrats (LSD), Hong Kong’s last active pro-democracy group, announced on June 29 that it is disbanding due to "immense political pressure" from a national security crackdown that has lasted five years. This marks the end of any formal pro-democracy opposition in the city, now under tight Chinese control.

LSD is the third major opposition party to dissolve within two years. Founded in 2006 by former lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, the group represented a more radical wing of the democracy movement and was known for its street-level activism. It was also the only group to organize small protests this year, a practice that was once widespread but has largely disappeared since 2020 due to fear of legal consequences. The crackdown began after China introduced a national security law in 2020, punishing actions like subversion with life imprisonment. In 2024, a second law, Article 23, further tightened restrictions by criminalizing sedition and treason.

LSD chair Chan Po-ying said the decision was made to protect members’ safety. She mentioned the jailing of party leaders, internal struggles, the shrinking of civil society, and intense political pressure, though she did not detail specific threats. She stood with six core members, including Tsang Kin-shing, Dickson Chau, Raphael Wong, Figo Chan, and Jimmy Sham, as she made the announcement. Earlier this year, the Democratic Party, the largest opposition group, also disbanded under pressure from Beijing. Officials warned of arrests if they continued operating.

China’s top official on Hong Kong, Xia Baolong, recently reaffirmed the need for continued national security efforts, saying hostile forces were still active. Known for its outspoken advocacy for universal suffrage and grassroots issues like pension reform, LSD was never as large as the Democratic or Civic Parties but had a notable presence. In 2008, it secured three legislative seats, its peak performance.

LSD’s founder, Leung, was arrested in 2021 in the high-profile '47 Democrats' case and is serving nearly seven years in prison. Member Jimmy Sham, also jailed in the same case, was released in May. Recently, three LSD members were fined for setting up a street booth without permission. The party now lacks funds and assets after its bank accounts were closed in 2023. Despite the end of the party, member Figo Chan urged Hongkongers to keep supporting the vulnerable and speaking out against injustice.