Tong Ying-kit, the first person to be convicted and jailed under Hong Kong’s national security law, recently attended a graduation ceremony at Ethics College. This event marked a significant milestone for Tong, who was sentenced to nine years in 2021 for inciting secession and terrorist activities.
The Ethics College, managed by the Correctional Services Department, aims to assist in the rehabilitation of inmates through education. Tong, along with 60 male inmates and 15 female prisoners, completed a Diploma of Applied Education program at the institute. The ceremony included an oath-taking by the graduates, where they pledged to avoid repeating past mistakes and contribute positively to society.
During the ceremony, Secretary for Security Chris Tang expressed his pleasure at seeing the prisoners achieve passing grades in the program. Tang mentioned that some of the students had only junior secondary qualifications when they enrolled, highlighting the positive impact of the education program on their lives.
Tang also shared his thoughts on Tong’s journey towards rehabilitation. Tong expressed regret for his actions, stating that he had been influenced by fake news and disinformation. Tang commended Tong for his desire to become a “useful person” in society and make contributions to Hong Kong and China.
Tong’s case was significant as it was the first under the Beijing-imposed national security law. His actions, which involved driving a motorcycle with a protest flag into police officers, led to his arrest in July 2020. The trial focused on the protest slogan he displayed, which was linked to the 2019 extradition bill protests.
Despite initially applying to appeal his case, Tong later dropped the legal challenge. In a televised interview, he mentioned being influenced by the societal atmosphere at the time of his offense, highlighting the impact of external factors on his actions.
Secretary Tang addressed questions about admitting more inmates involved in protests to the Ethics College. He emphasized that admissions were based on factors such as age, academic interests, and attitude, rather than the nature of the offense. Tang expressed satisfaction with the success of the first course and indicated that the education program may be expanded in the future.
The introduction of national security legislation in Hong Kong in 2020 aimed to restore stability and peace to the city. The law criminalized various acts, including subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces, and terrorist activities. While the move led to changes in the legal landscape and increased police powers, it also sparked criticism from international partners and human rights organizations.
As Tong Ying-kit and other inmates embark on their rehabilitation journey at Ethics College, their stories serve as a reminder of the complex social and political issues facing Hong Kong. Through education and reflection, these individuals strive to make positive contributions to society and rebuild their lives.
