Hong Kong Court Delivers Landmark Sentences in 2019 Protests Plot

Hong Kong's high court sentenced Ng Chi-hung to nearly 24 years in prison for masterminding a plot to attack police during the 2019 protests. Other defendants received sentences ranging from over five to 13 years. The judge described the plan as a 'declaration of war on society.'

Hong Kong's high court handed down significant sentences on Thursday to individuals involved in a plot to target police during the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Ng Chi-hung, dubbed the mastermind, received a 23-year and 10-month prison term for charges under the United Nations Anti-Terrorism Ordinance.

Justice Judianna Barnes also sentenced Wong Chun-keung, leader of the 'Dragon Slayers' group, to 13 years and six months, alongside five others who faced terms for related offenses like firearm possession. This marked the first application of the UN anti-terrorism laws in Hong Kong since 2002.

The heavy sentencing reflects China's continued national security crackdown. Steve Li of Hong Kong police remarked on the sentences' deterrent nature, citing seized explosives, while noting that further significant cases are pending in the region's courts.

(With inputs from agencies.)