Hong Kong Activist Jailed for 40 Months After Sedition Trial

APR 20 2022·Updated DEC 21 2022

Story

Image credit: SCMP/Getty Images [via NBC News]

The Facts

Political activist Tam Tak-chi was sentenced Wed. to 40 months in jail following Hong Kong's first sedition trial since its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
Independent
He was sentenced on 11 charges, including uttering seditious words, public disorder and incitement to take part in an unauthorized assembly, and was also fined HK$5,000 ($638).
NBC
Prosecutors alleged that the activist used anti-police slogans as well as phrases heard at the 2019 protests such as "liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times," which the court ruled in a separate trial as inciting others to commit secessionist activities.
guardian
Tam has been in detention since his Sep. 2020 arrest, as defendants in national security cases are typically denied bail.
Al Jazeera
Tam is among 47 campaigners, activists and politicians who were arrested and detained during a pre-election primary.
guardian

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Anti-China narrative

China wants to repress civil and political liberties in the territory, and Tam's sentencing indicates the deterioration of Hong Kong's constitutional rights. The national security law and the sedition law are being used to tighten control over individuals' speech directly or through self censorship, leaving no room for dissent.

The Diplomat

Pro-China narrative

Tam attempted to undermine Hong Kong's government authority by using his fame to promote sedition among students. The 40-month sentence aims at preventing him from threatening China's national security and stability.

China Daily