#BREAKING: Twelve Hong Kongers received jail sentences of between 6.5 years and 7 years over the storming of the legislature on July 1, 2019. Those jailed include actor Gregory Wong, activists Ventus Lau, Owen Chow and Althea Suen. More to follow.🧵
Deputy district judge Li Chi-ho set the starting point for the rioting offences at 6.5 years, 6 years 9 months, and 7 years—depending on severity. (Maximum penalty is 10 years.) After various reductions, the 12 defendants will have jail terms that run between 54 and 82 months.
In sentencing, judge Li stressed that the legislature storming had "long-lasting effects" on society, "Aside from the actual damage to the building, it had a symbolic meaning... (which was) challenging the Hong Kong government and even weakening its governance," Li said.
Two then-journalists were fined up to HK$1,500 for "entering the Legislative Council chamber", a less serious offence. The duo were earlier charged with rioting but were found not guilty after trial, as the judge said they may be conducting journalistic activity.
Here's the breakdown of the sentencing today, courtesy of my colleague @XinqiSu: Actor Gregory Wong - 74 months Activist Owen Chow - 61.5 months Activist Ventus Lau - 54 months 20 days Activist Althea Suen - 57 months x.com/xinqisu/status…
Here's the breakdown of the sentencing today, courtesy of my colleague @XinqiSu: Actor Gregory Wong - 74 months Activist Owen Chow - 61.5 months Activist Ventus Lau - 54 months 20 days Activist Althea Suen - 57 months x.com/xinqisu/status…
@XinqiSu Earlier, some of the defendants made defiant courtroom speeches. "The actual crime committed by the protesters... is the pursuit of democracy, freedom of thought and free will," activist Althea Suen said. Today's @AFP story: u.afp.com/5Y6D