A Hong Kong man pleaded guilty to sedition for wearing a protest T-shirt, marking the first conviction under a new national security law, facing up to ten years in prison.
In Hong Kong, 27-year-old Chu Kai-pong pleaded guilty to sedition for wearing a T-shirt with a protest slogan, marking the first conviction under the new national security law. He was arrested on June 12, 2021, while sporting a shirt that read “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times” and a mask featuring the acronym “FDNOL,” referencing the pro-democracy movement.
The new security law, enacted in 2020, imposes severe penalties for offenses like sedition, with sentences ranging from two to seven years, and up to ten years for collusion with foreign forces. Chief Magistrate Victor So postponed sentencing until Thursday.
Critics, including the U.S. government, have expressed concern that the law’s vague definitions could be weaponized against dissent. Meanwhile, Hong Kong officials argue that the legislation is essential to rectify perceived deficiencies in the national security framework.
Source : First conviction under Hong Kong’s security law for wearing ‘seditious’ T-shirt
