Hong Kong's First Sedition Conviction and Imprisonment Since 1997 Sovereignty Handover

by Jeon Jinyoung

Published 20 Apr.2022 16:20(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] For the first time since the 1997 handover of Hong Kong sovereignty, a prison sentence has been handed down for incitement charges.

According to public broadcaster RTHK, on the 20th, the Hong Kong court sentenced pro-democracy activist Tam Takchi (49) to 40 months in prison after being found guilty of seven counts of incitement. This is the first case prosecuted under the incitement law established during the British colonial era since Hong Kong's sovereignty was returned to China.

Tam Takchi, former vice chairman of the Hong Kong opposition party 'People Power,' was found guilty of chanting slogans such as "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" at various rallies from January to July 2020. He was also convicted of public order offenses, including organizing illegal assemblies.

The court stated that some of his illegal acts occurred after the Hong Kong National Security Law came into effect and while he was out on bail, making a prison sentence inevitable.

AFP reported, "Several activists including Tam Takchi have recently been prosecuted under the incitement law, which had not been applied in Hong Kong for decades," and added, "As China transforms Hong Kong into an authoritarian image similar to its own, this ruling will set a precedent for future incitement prosecutions."

It further noted, "Although the incitement charge carries a maximum sentence of two years and is separate from the Hong Kong National Security Law, the current Hong Kong courts are treating it as strictly as acts threatening national security."