National security police charge 52-year-old over online posts
Bastillepost · 6 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
A 52-year-old local man has been formally charged by the Police National Security Department with one count of knowingly publishing a publication with a seditious intention under Article 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. He was arrested in Eastern District on July 9, and the charge was laid on the morning of October 7 before he appeared at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts later the same day.
Key Points
- The Police National Security Department said the 52-year-old local man was arrested during an enforcement operation in Eastern District on July 9.
- Police said the case concerns an alleged breach of Article 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, covering knowingly publishing material with a seditious intention.
- Investigators alleged the man repeatedly posted messages on online social platforms with seditious intent, according to the police account of the case.
- Police said the messages included content intended to arouse hatred against the country, the Hong Kong SAR Government and the judiciary.
- The police also alleged the posts incited others to try to change matters lawfully established in the SAR by unlawful means.
Why It Matters
The case shows that online social media activity remains a focus of national security enforcement in Hong Kong, with prosecutions proceeding months after an initial arrest. Police also reiterated that the offence is serious and said a first conviction can carry up to seven years’ imprisonment.