The Magistrates' Court today (September 19) handed down the sentence in a case involving the offence of "doing with a seditious intention an act or acts that had a seditious intention" under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The defendant who had earlier pleaded guilty was sentenced to imprisonment for 14 months.
 
     The conviction and sentencing of the defendant demonstrates that any person intending to endanger national security or incite social hatred can never escape sanctions of the law. Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law, where laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers be held accountable. People who break the law must face legal sanctions for their malicious acts.
 
     The magistrate clearly pointed out in the reasons for sentencing that, "The content of the seditious words in this case involved advocating divesting the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government from the lawful governance of the Central Authorities, and putting his agenda into action by undermining social tranquility and public order, seriously endangering the unity and territorial integrity of the State."
 
     Furthermore, the magistrate also clearly pointed out that the defendant intended to bring other people into hatred and contempt against the HKSAR Government and law enforcement agencies, resulting in social rift and division. If the law does not intervene in time, it will make society once again fall into chaos.
 
     The HKSAR Government spokesperson also pointed out that, "The Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights guarantee fundamental rights such as the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, procession and demonstration. Clear lines have been drawn between unlawful seditious acts and expressions, and lawful constructive criticisms under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The relevant provisions are also unambiguous."
 
     "Doing with a seditious intention an act or acts that had a seditious intention" is an offence endangering national security.  Members of the public should not defy the law.
 

Ends/Thursday, September 19, 2024
Issued at HKT 19:38

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