A Hong Kong man, Tang Ka-man, has been found guilty of rioting and conspiring to wound with intent in connection with the Yuen Long mob attacks that occurred in July 2019. Tang, 46, was remanded in custody pending sentencing after the court ruled that he had armed himself with a stick during the violent incident.
The Yuen Long mob attacks took place on July 21, 2019, when over 100 men wielding rods and wearing white tops stormed the Yuen Long MTR station, leaving 45 people injured, including journalists, protesters, commuters, and pro-democracy lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting. The police were criticized for responding slowly to the incident, and some officers were seen leaving the scene or interacting with the white-clad attackers. Initially, the authorities described the incident as a “gang fight.”
During the court proceedings, Deputy District Judge Amy Chan found that Tang had participated in the riot at Long Wo Road and the Yuen Long MTR station. She stated that Tang had thrown a construction site lamp and a wooden stick, as well as pointed a rattan stick towards individuals wearing black clothing. Judge Chan’s ruling was based on a comparison of photos of Tang with CCTV footage and other videos of the incident. She noted that Tang had deliberately changed his appearance by altering his hairstyle and wearing glasses during the court hearing to appear different from the footage.
In convicting Tang of conspiring to wound with intent, Judge Chan highlighted that Tang was wearing a white t-shirt and holding a rattan stick, indicating his involvement in the planned attack. Although there was no evidence that Tang caused any injuries, he was considered an accessory to the crime for encouraging the white-clad individuals to commit violence.
Tang’s sentencing is scheduled for December 23, and rioting carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. He is the ninth individual to be convicted in connection with the Yuen Long mob attacks. The protests in Hong Kong in 2019 stemmed from opposition to an extradition bill, leading to broader demands for democracy and accountability from the government. The city witnessed violent clashes between protesters and police, with calls for an independent investigation into police conduct and the release of arrested individuals.
In light of these events, the case of Tang Ka-man serves as a reminder of the consequences of participating in violent acts and the importance of upholding the rule of law in society. The legal proceedings against individuals involved in the Yuen Long mob attacks underscore the city’s commitment to justice and accountability in addressing past grievances. As Hong Kong continues to navigate challenges related to political unrest and social tensions, cases like Tang’s reflect the complexities of seeking justice and maintaining order in a rapidly changing environment.
