In a landmark ruling under the recently enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts sentenced activist Chu Kai-pong to 14 months in prison for sedition. Chu, who pled guilty on Monday, is the first individual to be convicted under this new ordinance.
Magistrate Victor So stated on Thursday that Chu intended to disrupt peace and incite hatred against the Hong Kong government. Despite insufficient evidence pointing to whether any individuals were incited by Chu, the magistrate ruled this did not count as a mitigating factor. Chu’s arrest was swift, occurring before he could carry out any prolonged sedition activities. More details on the ruling can be found here.
Chu was apprehended on June 12 while wearing a shirt bearing the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times” and a mask with the letters “FDNOL,” an acronym for “Five Demands Not One Less.” These five demands include the withdrawal of the now-defunct extradition bill and the resignation of former Chief Executive Carrie Lam additional details available.
Hong Kong police have been active in recent months under the new security ordinance. They arrested two individuals on August 31 for allegedly forging a suicide note with the intent to incite hatred against the Hong Kong and Chinese governments more information here.
The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance came into effect on March 23, following a unanimous vote by the Hong Kong Legislative Council. The ordinance provides broader powers to the chief executive in council to designate certain individuals as “public officers” essential for national security. Chief Executive John Lee and Legislative Council President Andrew Leung have emphasized the significance of this legislation, asserting it maintains a balance between security and civil liberties click to read more.
For further details on Chu Kai-pong’s sentencing and the implications of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, please visit the original report on JURIST.