A Hong Kong doctor, Dr. Tse Tat-chi, has recently faced consequences for his involvement in the 2019 extradition bill protests. Despite being jailed for four years in March last year for rioting during the protests, his name was suspended from the professional register by the Medical Council of Hong Kong. The suspension order will last for nine months due to his rioting conviction, but the deregistration order itself will be suspended for 36 months following an inquiry held last month.
Dr. Tse’s arrest took place on September 29, 2019, during a pro-democracy protest that escalated into chaos in various districts of Hong Kong Island. The scene was filled with demonstrators wearing black, setting up roadblocks, and engaging in violent acts such as hurling petrol bombs and bricks at the government headquarters in Admiralty. In response, the police used tear gas and blue-dyed water in an attempt to disperse the crowds.
According to the findings of the Inquiry Panel of the Medical Council, Dr. Tse was located at the planter area of Harcourt Road outside the government headquarters during the protest. He was seen wearing all-black attire, trying to flee upon spotting the police during a dispersal operation. Eventually, he was subdued and apprehended by the authorities. The panel’s report revealed that Dr. Tse was carrying a black knapsack filled with medical supplies, including bronchial dilators, antiseptic solution, gauze, bandages, and surgical gloves. Additionally, he was wearing black protective gloves and held a hiking pole with white cable wires attached.
Dr. Tse, who graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 2016, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to the charge of rioting. The Inquiry Panel of the Medical Council considered his conviction as conclusively proven and found him guilty of the disciplinary offense. The protests in Hong Kong began in June 2019 in response to an extradition bill that has since been withdrawn. The demonstrations evolved into a broader movement calling for democratic reforms and condemning Beijing’s influence in the city.
The protests were marked by clashes between demonstrators and police, with both sides engaging in violent confrontations. Protesters demanded an independent investigation into alleged police misconduct, amnesty for those arrested during the protests, and a cessation of labeling the demonstrations as riots. The unrest in Hong Kong captured international attention and raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and freedoms in the city.
As the protests unfolded, tensions between the pro-democracy movement and the authorities escalated, leading to a crackdown on dissent and the implementation of the national security law by Beijing. The law aimed to curb subversion, secession, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, but critics viewed it as a tool to suppress dissent and undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy.
The case of Dr. Tse highlights the complexities and repercussions of participating in protests in Hong Kong. While the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental rights, engaging in violent acts or unlawful behavior can have severe consequences, including legal prosecution and professional repercussions.
Moving forward, it is essential for individuals to exercise their rights responsibly and within the boundaries of the law to avoid facing legal consequences. The case of Dr. Tse serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding professional standards and ethical conduct, even in the midst of political turmoil and social unrest.
In conclusion, the suspended deregistration of Dr. Tse Tat-chi underscores the impact of the 2019 extradition bill protests on individuals across various sectors in Hong Kong. The aftermath of the protests continues to reverberate through the city, shaping its political landscape and societal dynamics. As Hong Kong navigates its path forward, it is crucial for all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, respect human rights, and strive for peaceful resolution of conflicts to ensure a harmonious and inclusive society for all its residents.