A man named Pun Tak-shu, who is a 64-year-old retiree, has been sentenced to 16 months in jail for inciting violence against former Chief Executive Carrie Lam in Hong Kong. This incident took place four years ago when Pun made a Facebook post discussing how to harm Lam in 2020.
Initially, Pun pleaded not guilty, but the court found him guilty of incitement to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. During the trial, Pun’s defense argued that he made the post “just for fun” and not during a time of extreme violence in the city. They also mentioned that Pun deleted the post after he was arrested. Additionally, it was revealed in court that Pun suffers from lung problems and requires medical treatment.
Despite these factors, District Judge Stanley Chan emphasized that Pun’s post contributed to intensifying conflicts and had an inciting effect on the public. Judge Chan noted that many people were influenced by the political atmosphere at that time and may have taken Pun’s call seriously.
The court decided to sentence Pun to 16 months in prison, taking into account his health condition and the fact that he generally agreed with the prosecution’s case. The initial starting point for Pun’s prison term was 18 months, but it was reduced by two months due to these factors.
This case highlights the importance of social media responsibility and the potential consequences of inciting violence or harm online. It serves as a reminder that even posts made in jest can have serious implications, especially during politically tense times. The court’s decision aims to deter similar behavior in the future and uphold the rule of law in Hong Kong.
