Updated Jul 27, 2021 - World

Hong Kong judges return guilty verdict in first security law trial

Rebecca Falconer

Tong Ying-kit, who is accused of deliberately driving his motorcycle into a group of police officers on July 1 in Hong Kong — Activist Tong Ying-kit arrives at the West Kowloon court in Hong Kong in 2020. Photo: Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images

Tong Ying-kit, the first person to be charged and tried under Hong Kong's national security law was found guilty of terrorism and inciting secession by three judges Tuesday, per Bloomberg. The 24-year-old had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Why it matters: The law passed by the ruling Chinese Communist Party last year carries the maximum sentence of life imprisonment. In a departure from the Asian financial hub's common law traditions, Tong was denied a jury trial.

Instead, security law judges are selected by Hong Kong CEO Carrie Lam.

Details: The charges stem from allegations that he drove his motorcycle into police officers while carrying a protest flag stating "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" on July 1 last year — which prosecutors labeled "secessionist," Reuters notes.

The incident was alleged to have taken place one day after Beijing imposed the security law on Hong Kong after the former British colony saw months of massive pro-democracy protests.

Go deeper: Beijing's national security law takes a toll in Hong Kong

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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Hong Kong judges return guilty verdict in first security law trial

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