Hong Kong Jury Delivers Mixed Verdict in Landmark UN Anti-Terrorism Case

A Hong Kong jury convicted one individual and acquitted six others in a notable case involving a 2019 alleged plot to attack police. The case marked the first application of the United Nations Anti-Terrorism Ordinance in the city. Defendant Lai Chun-pong was found guilty, while six others were exonerated.

A Hong Kong jury delivered a split decision on Thursday, convicting one person while acquitting six others in a landmark 2019 case involving an alleged plot to deploy explosives and firearms against police officers under the United Nations Anti-Terrorism Ordinance.

Lai Chun-pong, 30, was the sole individual found guilty, with the jury finding insufficient evidence to convict Lee Ka-tin, 25, Cheung Chun-fu, 24, Cheung Ming-yu, 21, Yim Man-him, 22, Justin Hui Cham-wing, 25, and Lau Pui-ying, 24. Prosecutors had claimed the defendants were part of a group called the 'Dragon Slayers'.

This trial was the first in Hong Kong to enact the UN anti-terrorism legislation, a move underscored by its significance in addressing violent protests from 2019 that erupted over a controversial extradition bill. High Court Judge Judianna Barnes instructed the jury to decide if the defendants had intended to kill police officers with their planned attacks.

(With inputs from agencies.)