Hong Kong Sentences Man to 23 Years in Prison for Plotting to Attack Police with Explosives

Background of the Protests

Hong Kong saw massive and violent pro-democracy and anti-China protests in 2019. The protests were sparked by a proposed extradition bill that would have allowed Hong Kong to extradite individuals to mainland China, where the legal system is controlled by the Communist Party. The protests quickly escalated into a broader movement calling for greater democracy and autonomy from China.

Sentencing of Ng Chi-hung

On [date], Hong Kong’s high court sentenced Ng Chi-hung to 23 years and 10 months in prison for being the leader of an alleged plot to attack police with explosives during the 2019 protests. Ng was charged under the United Nations Anti-Terrorism Ordinance, for offences linked to a conspiracy to use explosives and firearms to endanger life.

Sentencing of Leader of the ‘Dragon Slayers’

Another defendant, the leader of a group known as the ‘Dragon Slayers’ which was active during the 2019 protests, was sentenced to 13 years and six months imprisonment. The Dragon Slayers were a group of protesters who were known for their violent tactics, including the use of Molotov cocktails and other explosives.

Context of the Sentencing

The long jail terms come amid a protracted national security clampdown by China in the global financial hub. China has been increasingly cracking down on dissent and opposition in Hong Kong, and the use of the UN anti-terrorism ordinance is seen as a way to further suppress the pro-democracy movement.

Significance of the Sentencing

The sentencing of Ng Chi-hung and the leader of the Dragon Slayers is significant because it marks the first time the UN anti-terrorism ordinance has been used in Hong Kong since 2002. The ordinance is typically used to prosecute terrorism-related offenses, and its use in this case is seen as a way to further criminalize the pro-democracy movement.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Ng Chi-hung and the leader of the Dragon Slayers is a stark reminder of the increasingly repressive environment in Hong Kong. The use of the UN anti-terrorism ordinance to prosecute protesters is a worrying development, and it is unclear what the future holds for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.

FAQs

Q: What was the alleged plot that Ng Chi-hung was charged with?
A: Ng Chi-hung was charged with being the leader of a plot to attack police with explosives during the 2019 protests.

Q: What was the sentence handed down to Ng Chi-hung?
A: Ng Chi-hung was sentenced to 23 years and 10 months in prison.

Q: What was the sentence handed down to the leader of the Dragon Slayers?
A: The leader of the Dragon Slayers was sentenced to 13 years and six months imprisonment.

Q: What is the significance of the use of the UN anti-terrorism ordinance in this case?
A: The use of the UN anti-terrorism ordinance marks the first time it has been used in Hong Kong since 2002, and it is seen as a way to further criminalize the pro-democracy movement.