2 Hongkongers set to plead guilty to conspiring to wound over Telegram messages about killing police
Hong Kong Free Press
Two Hong Kong men are set to plead guilty to conspiring to wound others with intent over discussions on messaging app Telegram, which included talking about stabbing police officers to death.
Chan Sze-lok, 36, Lee Ho-yuen, 18, Wong Yuu-ro, 36, and two students – 16-year-old Chang Pui-sin, and 19-year-old Choi Kai-min – appeared in front of Judge Stanley Chan at District Court on Tuesday afternoon.
The five have been charged with conspiracy to wound with intent on suspicion of conspiring to “unlawfully and maliciously wound other people” between February 8 and May 7 last year, with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm.
The defendants were among a group arrested in May 2022. Police at the time said they had plotted “extremely violent” acts, including “using sharp objects to stab police officers and government anti-epidemic staff to death,” and discussed how to make “highly lethal weapons” such as bombs.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the lawyer representing Chan said the defendant was ready to plead guilty to the charge, as well as another of committing acts with seditious intent. A third charge against Chan – possession of offensive weapons – “will be handled in an alternative way,” the court heard.
Lee’s representative also told the court on Tuesday that their client would plead guilty to both charges against them. Lee – together with Wong – has also been accused of conspiring to commit acts with seditious intent.
Meanwhile, Wong also faces charges of possessing dangerous drugs, and possessing arms or ammunition without licence, as he was allegedly found with marijuana, a crossbow and three arrows.
Wong’s legal representative said on Tuesday that the defendant was not ready to indicate his plea, while Choi’s lawyer said they still need to discuss the charges with the prosecution. They asked the court to schedule their pleas for June 13.
Chang’s lawyer said the 16-year-old would plead not guilty. The Form Four student was also willing to wait for Wong and Choi and officially enter her plea in June, the court was told.
After hearing about Chang’s decision, Judge Chan said her trial would come “very late” if she were to plead in June.
“Everyone has the right to defend themselves,” the judge said, but added that the court would have to consider the defendant’s age when making sentencing decisions.
In Hong Kong, those under 21 may be sentenced to a training centre or a rehabilitation centre as alternatives to imprisonment.
Chang’s barrister said their client “clearly knows the impact an adjournment would have.”
Wong, Choi and Chang’s pleas will be heard on June 13. The hearing for Chan and Lee to officially enter their pleas and present mitigation was set for December 6.
Barred from using WhatsApp while on bail
Only Chang has been granted bail. Under her bail conditions, she has been barred from using social media applications, and told to follow all school rules and observe instructions from on-site social workers.
Chang’s lawyer on Tuesday applied for the court to loosen the social media ban and allow Chang to use WhatsApp to discuss school projects and homework with her schoolmates, as well as contact other members on her volleyball team.
Judge Chan refused to grant Chang’s application.
Sedition is not covered by the Beijing-imposed national security law, which targets secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts and mandates up to life imprisonment. Those convicted under the sedition law – last amended in the 1970s when Hong Kong was still a British colony – face a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
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