First person tried under HK security law found guilty of terrorism

The first person to be tried under Hong Kong’s sweeping national security law was found guilty of secessionism and terrorism.

So far more than 100 people have been arrested under the security legislation, and on 27 July the Hong Kong High Court handed down the verdict in the case of 24-year-old Tong Ying-kit, with the verdict being closely watched for indications as to how similar cases will be dealt with in future.

The trial was held in the High Court with no jury, under rules allowing this exception from Hong Kong’s common law system if state secrets need to be protected, foreign forces are involved or if the personal safety of jurors needs to be protected.

Tong is accused of driving his motorcycle into a group of police officers a day after Beijing imposed sweeping national security legislation on Hong Kong following months of anti-government protests in 2019.

Tong pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting secession, terrorism and an alternative charge of dangerous driving. A guilty verdict carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.