Hong Kong’s high court sentenced a man to 23 years and 10 months in prison for being the mastermind behind a plot to attack police with explosives during the city’s pro-democracy and anti-China protests in 2019. The man, Ng Chi-hung, was charged under the United Nations Anti-Terrorism Ordinance alongside other defendants who were also given prison sentences ranging from 5 years and 10 months to 13 years and six months for various related offenses. This case marks the first time the U.N. anti-terrorism ordinance has been used in Hong Kong since 2002.
The judge described the plan as premeditated and vicious, targeting police officers and being a “declaration of war on society.” The police believe the heavy sentences will have a substantial deterrent effect. Items such as explosives and bullets were seized, with the defendants planning to plant two bombs during a protest march in 2019, although the plan did not go ahead due to some arrests.
One defendant, Lai Chun-pong, was convicted of a conspiracy charge and sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison. The ruling came shortly before 45 Hong Kong democrats are set to face sentencing in a separate national security case. This case is part of a broader national security clampdown by China in Hong Kong.
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