**Hong Kong’s Landmark UN Anti-Terror Trial: One Convicted, Six Acquitted in 2019 Bomb Plot**
In a groundbreaking trial under the UN (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Ordinance, Hong Kong’s High Court delivered its verdict on the alleged bomb plot to murder police officers during the 2019 protests and unrest. Out of the seven defendants, one man, Lai Chun-pong, was convicted of the alternative charge of conspiracy to cause explosions with intent to endanger life or property. The remaining six defendants, Cheung Chun-fu, Cheung Ming-yu, Yim Man-him, Christian Lee, Justin Hui, and Lau Pui-ying, were found not guilty by the nine-member jury.
**The Verdict**
The trial, which took place in August 2024, saw a mix of emotions as the jury pronounced their verdicts. Justin Hui, along with others, walked out of the High Court as free individuals after being acquitted of the charges against them. On the other hand, Lai Chun-pong faced a conviction for his involvement in the alleged bomb plot.
The jury’s decision was not unanimous in all cases. While Lai was found guilty by seven members of the panel, two believed he was not guilty. However, he was acquitted of the original conspiracy to commit bombing of prescribed objects and conspiracy to murder charges. The other defendants, including Cheung Chun-fu, Cheung Ming-yu, Yim Man-him, Christian Lee, and Lau Pui-ying, were unanimously cleared of all charges against them.
**Sentencing and Implications**
A conspiracy to commit bombing of prescribed objects carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, while the alternative charge has a maximum sentence of 20 years. Additionally, taking part in a conspiracy to provide or collect property to commit terrorist acts can lead to a sentence of up to 14 years in jail.
Cheung Chun-fu, who pleaded guilty to possession of arms or ammunition with intent to endanger life, was handed an 18-month jail sentence. The court considered his possession of fireworks and pepper spray canisters as firearms under Hong Kong law. Despite Cheung’s cooperation with the police investigation, the judge did not grant further reduction in his sentence.
As the court proceedings unfolded, the public gallery witnessed a mix of emotions as the acquitted defendants left the courthouse as free individuals. The media, despite facing challenges in capturing clear shots of the defendants leaving, continued to report on the trial’s outcome.
**The Alleged Plot**
According to the prosecution, the defendants were purported members of radical groups, including one known as “Dragon Slayers,” that had allegedly planned the bomb attack during a rally organized by the Civil Human Rights Front in 2019. The prosecution claimed that members of Dragon Slayers intended to lure police officers into the vicinity of the bombs, while a gunman from another radical group would open fire at the police from a nearby building.
The potential consequences of the planned attack were severe, with the bombs posing a threat to civilians and properties in the area. The prosecution’s case highlighted the dangers that could have unfolded had the alleged plot been executed on December 8, 2019.
**Background: 2019 Protests and Unrest**
The 2019 protests in Hong Kong began as a response to an extradition bill that sparked public outcry. Over time, the demonstrations evolved into a broader movement against police behavior, calls for democracy, and concerns over Beijing’s influence in the region. The protesters demanded an independent investigation into police conduct, amnesty for those arrested, and a halt to the characterization of protests as “riots.”
As the unrest unfolded, tensions escalated, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The city witnessed a wave of activism and dissent, with various groups advocating for different causes and ideologies.
**Conclusion**
The verdict in Hong Kong’s first UN anti-terror trial marks a significant moment in the city’s legal history. While one individual was convicted, the acquittal of six defendants reflects the complexities of the case and the challenges faced in proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
As the legal proceedings conclude, the implications of the trial will reverberate across Hong Kong’s legal landscape. The debate over security measures, anti-terrorism laws, and civil liberties will continue to shape the city’s future as it navigates through a period of political uncertainty and social change.