Police: Joshua Wong's crimes warrant heavy sentence

Chief Superintendent of Police (National Security) Steve Li Kwai-wah welcomed the High Court's decision to jail Joshua Wong Chi-fung, an instigator of anti-China riots, for 10 years for colluding with foreign forces, adding that Wong's track record showed that he had no respect for the court or for the rule of law.

Li's remarks were made on Thursday following the court's decision to jail Wong 10 years for violating the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law. The sentence includes jail time of two months and two days for a separate offense committed by Wong in another case.

According to the judgement, Wong persistently called for foreign sanctions on China (including the HKSAR) following the promulgation of the SAR National Security Law on June 30, 2020.

Speaking to the media outside the courthouse, Li said that Wong had been involved in social movements while still a minor. Wong began committing various offenses at the age of 18, including two national security offenses and multiple counts of assault against police officers.

Following the siege of the Hong Kong Police Headquarters in Wan Chai on June 21, 2019, Wong was charged as an organizer and inciter, and faced two counts of contempt of court.

Li added that Wong bears considerable responsibility for both the illegal "Occupy Central" movement in 2014 and the riots in 2019.

"All of these (criminal acts) showed that Wong was unwilling to obey the law and had no regard for the court, Li added.

Li said the judgment shows that the court recognizes the severity of Wong's offenses. He added that he hopes Wong will seriously reflect on the crimes he has committed, foster a spirit of lawfulness, and develop a proper understanding of the country.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com