Hong Kong stake association and three members sentenced for inciting subversion of state power

The defunct Hong Kong stake association and its former chairman Lee Cheuk-yan, former vice-chairmen Chow Hsing-tung and Ho Chun-yan were found guilty of "inciting subversion of state power". The Hong Kong High Court today sentenced them to prison. Among them, Chow Hsing-tung received the heaviest sentence, seven years and three months, Lee Cheuk-yan seven years, and Ho Chun-yan five years and two months.

The High Court used the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court to pronounce the sentence this morning. Based on the news from the court from the local media, the judge made the above sentence. As for the defendant stake, the judge imposed a fine of HK$1.5 million (NT$6 million).

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In this case, the Stake Association, Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hsing-tung, and Ho Chun-yan were charged with "inciting subversion of state power" in violation of Hong Kong's national security law. Two weeks ago, Li Zhuoren and others completed the plea process in court, and the judge adjourned the sentence until today.

The charges allege that three people incited others to organize, plan, implement or participate in the implementation of illegal means to subvert state power in Hong Kong from July 1, 2020 to September 8, 2021, that is, to overthrow and destroy the fundamental system of the People's Republic of China established in the Chinese Constitution, or to overthrow China's central government organs.

Zou Xingtong previously said in her self-defense in court that she did not believe that pursuing democracy was sinful; the judge once asked Zou Xingtong if she planned to plead for mercy, and Zou Xingtong said she "will continue to stick to her belief." The judge also asked her if she had no regrets, and she replied "nothing wrong" (that's right).

When the case came to trial at the beginning of this year, Ho Chun-yan pleaded guilty in court, while Li Zhuoren and Zou Xingtong pleaded not guilty. The stakes were defended by senior counsel hired by the Official Receiver's Office, and they also pleaded not guilty.

According to the Hong Kong National Security Law, those who violate the crime of "inciting subversion of state power" will be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not less than 5 years but not more than 10 years if the circumstances are serious; if the circumstances are less serious, they will be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not more than 5 years, criminal detention or surveillance.