Hong Kong's 'zero tolerance' dooms last vocal pro-democracy party

TOKYO/HONG KONG -- The League of Social Democrats, the last political group to openly protest for pro-democracy causes in Hong Kong, announced its disbandment on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the national security law imposed by Beijing.

"Today, with deep sorrow, we announce that, in the face of immense political pressure and after careful deliberation -- particularly with regard to the consequences for our members and comrades -- we have made the difficult decision to disband," said Chan Po-ying, the group's chairwoman, in a news conference on Sunday.