The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (May 28) arrested five women and a man in various districts on suspicion of committing “Offences in Connection with Seditious Intention”, contravening Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Police today (May 29) further arrested a 53-year-old woman on Hong Kong Island on suspicion of committing “Offences in Connection with Seditious Intention”, contravening Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The number of persons arrested in the case has now increased to seven.

     Investigation revealed that a woman, remanded in custody, had exploited an upcoming sensitive date to repeatedly publish posts with seditious intention on a social platform anonymously with the assistance of at least six arrested persons since April 2024, with content provoking hatred towards the Central Authorities and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Judiciary, as well as inciting netizens to organise or participate in relevant illegal activities at a later stage.

     The arrested persons are being detained for further enquiries, except for the one who has been in custody.

     Police reiterate that offences in connection with seditious intention are very serious crimes, with a maximum penalty of up to seven years' imprisonment. The enforcement action is still on-going and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Ends/Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Issued at HKT 18:05

NNNN