Hong Kong YouTubers charged with trespassing into abandoned Lantau correctional facilities
Hong Kong Free Press
Two Hong Kong YouTubers have been charged with trespassing into two abandoned correctional facilities on Lantau Island.
Kate Lam, 26 and Tam Wai-kin, 27 appeared at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. They stand accused of trespassing into properties under the jurisdiction or management of public authorities, The Witness reported.
The court heard that the two entered the Chi Ma Wan Correctional Institution and Chi Sun Correctional Institution, which is under the Correctional Services Department’s management, on February 17 this year.
The two facilities, formerly a camp for Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s and later transformed into drug addiction treatment centre, are no longer in operation. Other law enforcement departments occasionally use the facilities to conduct training and drills, local media reported.
The facilities are located in Chi Ma Wan, a remote bay in southeastern Lantau Island.
According to local media outlets, Lam and Tam shot a YouTube video of themselves entering the facilities and flying a drone. The video, which was uploaded on Lam’s channel, is no longer available.
The court heard on Tuesday that the clip had already been taken down.
Lam’s channel has around 88,500 followers, and consists of videos of her and Tam hiking, camping and exploring Hong Kong’s outdoors.
Principal Magistrate Peter Law adjourned the case to October 24. The two were released on a bail of HK$500.
According to the Summary Offences Ordinance, those convicted of trespassing face a penalty of up to three months of imprisonment.
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