Tong Ying‑Kit’s Dilemma: A Young Man’s Mistake and the Hangman’s Heavy Hand
Quick Recap
HONG KONG – On Thursday (July 29), the defence lawyer for 24‑year‑old Tong Ying‑Kit delivered a heartfelt plea before sentencing. The court was set to decide whether Tong’s reckless motorcycle run could carry a sentence of several years to life.
Who’s Tong?
Imagine a former waiter, living with his dad and little sister in a public housing block, living day‑to‑day. His biggest claim to fame? Riding a motorcycle into three riot‑police bikes last year while waving a flag shouting “Liberate Hong Kong. Revolution of our times.”
What the Judges Decided
- Three judges—Esther Toh, Anthea Pang, and Wilson Chan—picked by Carrie Lam themselves were called in for the case.
- They found that the slogan was “capable of inciting others to commit secession.”
- Result: Tong was convicted of “terrorist activities” and “inciting secession” – a headline‑making ruling that will linger in Hong Kong’s legal history.
Why the Defence Lawyer Wants Mercy
Clive Grossman, Tong’s advocate, argued that any “incitement” was slightly minor.
He explained that none of the officers suffered serious injuries, and that Tong was just trying to avoid a serious attack to kill or maim the policemen. He painted the picture of a decent young man who simply made a stupid mistake.
There’s a little heart‑warming note: Tong was the main financial support for his dad and sister. His grandma, who’s battling cancer, wants one last hug from him.
Weathering the Legal Storm
Fierce prosecution lawyer Ivan Cheung handed the court a mainland China criminal‑law textbook, hoping the judges would reference it for sentencing. But the court firmly stated that such material is “not binding,” because Hong Kong has its own solid Common Law and National Security Law foundations.
Cheung claims his team didn’t consult any Chinese officials in preparing the submission, but chilled to deny the specific textbook name.
What It All Means
What hinges now is the final tally. If Tong gets a prison sentence, he might spend the rest of his life inside a cell. But his story also serves as a cautionary tale: the rules are stiff, and there’s a fine line between a harmless protest and a “terrorist incitement” under the law.
For Tong, the road back is steep. For everyone watching, it’s a stark reminder that in a city where words can be weaponized, every slogan, every shout, and every decision on a motorcycle can change a life forever.
