Hong Kong Watch Briefing on Human Rights Developments: October 2025

This briefing describes developments in Hong Kong in October 2025 focusing on the rapid deterioration of human rights in the city following the imposition of the National Security Law and the passage of Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

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Executive Summary

October saw a further tightening of political control and repression in Hong Kong. The trial of Anna Kwok’s father, the first prosecution of a family member of an exiled activist under the national security law, signalled an alarming escalation of “coercion by proxy.”

Preparations for the December LegCo election under Beijing’s “patriots-only” system highlighted deepened Mainlandisation, with, reportedly, nearly a third of declared candidates linked to Chinese firms. Meanwhile, authorities expanded AI surveillance, continued to arrest individuals for peaceful expression, and intensified lawfare against pro-democracy figures.

Cultural censorship persisted, including the banning of 13 films and the cancellation of an LGBTQ+ play. Abroad, UN experts condemned reprisals against exiled lawyer Kevin Yam.

These developments reflect the continuing erosion of rule of law, civil liberties, and international norms in Hong Kong.

Photo: 17jiangz1, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons