Hong Kong police arrest four teens over assault clip
SCMP · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong police said four local boys aged 13 to 17 were arrested on Tuesday, October 20, after officers investigated a viral video showing a suspected assault in a back alley in Sai Wan Ho in the early hours of Monday, October 19.
The boys were arrested on suspicion of inciting another person to become a member of an unlawful society and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and all four remained in custody on Wednesday.
Key Points
- Police said the arrests followed an investigation triggered by an online clip of a suspected attack in a back alley between two buildings in Sai Wan Ho.
- In the video seen by the South China Morning Post, four boys appeared to punch and slap another boy, swear at him and surround him.
- Near the end of the clip, one alleged attacker was heard telling the victim to remember that he was the victim's “real boss” before the group left.
- The case is now being investigated by the anti-triad team at the eastern police district, indicating officers are examining possible unlawful society links.
- Under Hong Kong law, the maximum penalty is two years' jail and a HK$50,000 fine for inciting unlawful society membership, and three years for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Why It Matters
Because the suspects are as young as 13, the case also draws attention to how Hong Kong's juvenile justice system handles serious allegations involving minors.
The anti-triad team's involvement and the allegation of incitement to join an unlawful society mean the investigation goes beyond a street fight captured on video.