Hong Kong appeals court upholds Cardinal Zen's conviction over unregistered charity
Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, bishop of Hong Kong from 2002 to 2009, was fined $512 after judges upheld his conviction for failing to properly register a charity that covered protesters' expenses
A Hong Kong appeals court on September 3, 2026, upheld the conviction of Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, S.D.B., for failing to properly register a charity that covered expenses for protesters. Zen, who was bishop of Hong Kong from 2002 to 2009, was fined $512, the same amount imposed on the charity's other administrators in the case.
The case dates back to 2022. The charity was set up to help protesters who took part in the 2019 demonstrations in Hong Kong.
Zen has long been an advocate of democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, a stance that has often put him at odds with local authorities.
Religious freedom concerns
Human rights groups have said they are concerned about the effect the conviction could have on religious freedom in Hong Kong and on the Catholic Church's ability to carry out its pastoral and charitable work in the territory.
Since the National Security Law took effect in 2020, religious organizations have faced growing restrictions on their activities and on their ability to criticize publicly. Zen's conviction was formally tied to the organization's administrative registration.
Legal outlook
Catholics in Hong Kong are following the case closely. The appeals court ruling is final under ordinary procedure, but further appeals to higher courts or additional legal action have not been ruled out. Human rights lawyers said the case raises questions about how registration laws are interpreted in situations of political repression.
Governments, multilateral bodies and Catholic networks abroad have expressed solidarity with the local Church, saying freedom of association and freedom of conscience are fundamental rights that should not be compromised by political considerations.
