In Hong Kong, a man named Ng Chi-hung has been sentenced to 23 years and 10 months in prison for masterminding a plot to attack police with explosives during the 2019 pro-democracy and anti-China protests. Another defendant, Wong Chun-keung, leader of the “Dragon Slayers” group, was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison. Five others received sentences ranging from 5 years and 10 months to 12 years for offenses including possessing firearms and abetting the manufacture of explosives.
This case is part of China’s national security clampdown in Hong Kong, with the United Nations Anti-Terrorism Ordinance being used for the first time in the city since 2002. The judge described the plot as premeditated and a “declaration of war on society.” Police officials expressed satisfaction with the heavy sentences, believing they would have a deterrent effect.
One defendant, Lai Chun-pong, received a sentence of 10 years and 10 months after being found guilty by a jury in August. The other defendants had pleaded guilty to the charges. The ruling comes shortly before 45 leading democrats in Hong Kong are set to be sentenced in a separate national security case. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between pro-democracy activists and authorities in Hong Kong following the 2019 protests.
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