The June 4 vigil was held peacefully for three decades "to protect the truth of history" and never threatened public safety, organizer Albert Ho Chun-yan told the district court yesterday.

Ho, vice chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, pleaded guilty to inciting others to join the banned vigil on June 4 last year.

Also pleading guilty were alliance members Cheung Man-kwong, Mak Hoi-wah, former legislator Andrew Wan Siu-kin, former district councillor Chiu Yan-loy, former Civil Human Rights Front convener Figo Chan Ho-wun and the Labour Party's Kwok Wing-kin.

The seven also admitted to participating in an unlawful assembly with former legislators Cyd Ho Sau-lan, "Long Hair" Leung Kwok-hung, Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, Yeung Sum and Leung Kwok-wah.

During mitigation, Ho, a solicitor, told judge Amanda Woodcock the vigil was to protect the truth about June 4.

"In the mainland, open discussion of June 4 has always been forbidden," he noted. " [In] Hong Kong we speak as the conscience for the whole nation."

From 1990 to 2019, the vigil was held every June 4 in Victoria Park. He admitted last year's gathering was unauthorized, but "we were driven by our consciences."

With the alliance considering disbanding and five members arrested, Ho sounded a hopeful note.

"In the times to come, even if the Hong Kong alliance were to disband and the June 4 candlelight vigil banned, the commemorative spirit still survives with the candle light illuminated in the hearts of Hong Kong people on June 4 every year."

Barrister Anson Wong Yu-yat, representing Figo Chan and Leung Kwok-hung, said they only caused traffic jams - usual during normal rallies.

"They did not infringe on others' rights as the event took place in a football pitch that was already closed and it only lasted 46 minutes, with only 20,000 participants compared to an expected 100,000."

Twelve activists, including Ho, pleaded guilty to either participating in or inciting others to take part in an unlawful assembly. Also in court were Joshua Wong Chi-fung and former district councillors Lester Shum, Tiffany Yuen Ka-wai and Janelle Leung Hoi-ching, who were imprisoned for between four and 10 months for joining the vigil.

Eight other defendants including Next Digital founder Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and former alliance chairman Lee Cheuk-yan have pleaded not guilty to the same charge and face trial on November 1.

Kwok Wing-kin

Leung Chi-chiu

'June 4 truth for nation'