Event Summary
On 5 February 2026, the Hong Kong Federation of Students (HKFS), established in 1958, announced dissolution after 68 years citing “increasingly severe pressure” on members and supporters. Isaac Lai, chief representative, confirmed the standing committee voted to initiate dissolution that morning. HKFS stated that “as circumstances have changed, HKFS members and their allies have faced increasingly severe pressures in recent years. After careful consideration of all factors, HKFS has decided to draw a full stop today.” Lai noted that several HKFS members received threatening letters or were stalked, stating “[w]e made this decision under circumstance of no alternative, with no other choice.” The HKFS signboard was removed from address on 5 February.
For over 68 years, HKFS played key role uniting students, engaging social issues, advocating reform: witnessing and participating in critical moments including supporting democratic movements in mainland China since 1980s, promoting Hong Kong democratic development, anti-national education movement, 2014 class boycott and the Umbrella Movement. Following the Umbrella Movement, systematic pressure intensified: 2015 disaffiliation wave reduced membership from eight to four institutions; recent years saw office forcefully taken over and members and families receiving harassment letters. Before disbandment, Lingnan University Students’ Union was HKFS’s only remaining active member. Last June, four Lingnan union members arrested for allegedly stealing HK$1 million from organization funds, with subsequent rumours of immediate dissolution denied. The disbandment follows broader pattern from the Hong Kong Baptist University Students’ Union ordered suspended December over Wang Fuk Court fire condolences post; six CUHK college student unions suspended within 28 days December-January after police registration requirements; and multiple university student unions dissolved since 2020 National Security Law.