First Person Charged Under Hong Kong’s National Security Law Pleads Not Guilty

It’s the First Trial under Hong Kong’s National Security Law

Jumping the Gate! The trial of former bamboo‑slide rider Tong Ying Kit, who allegedly scooted his motorbike into riot police while waving a flag that says “Liberate Hong Kong! Revolution of our times.” It’s the first time someone’s being hauled up under the new big‑gun law.

What’s Actually Happening?

The proceedings kicked off on Wednesday, June 23 — a nearly full year after the initial accusation.
Against the grain of Hong Kong’s traditional “we’re quick to offer bail and jury trials” ethos, the court slapped a recall on bail and tossed out the idea of a jury.
In a high‑stakes showdown, the judge is essentially testing whether that flag can be forced into the category of “secessionist” territory.

Why This matters

It’s more than a good story for the headlines. The government’s push to crack down on slogans that fire up protest vibes is hitting a new line. If Tong’s case gets a verdict, it could set a precedent for how civil‑rights riots are handled in the future.

TL;DR

Tong Ying Kit’s trial marks a turning point: No bail, no jury, just a straight‑shot look into whether hashtags carry the weight of rebellion. It’s a day that’s sure to ripple through Hong Kong’s legal scene.

How Tong’s Arrest After the New Hoax Law Turned into a Legal Drama

Just hours after lawmakers rolled out Hong Kong’s new national‑security law, a 24‑year‑old named Tong found himself behind bars. The new statute slams those who stir what China calls subversion, secession, terrorism, or collusion with foreign forces up to a life sentence.

What Tong is Facing

Terrorism – the court says he’ll be on the brink of a life term if found guilty.
Inciting Secession – a charge that could also land him behind bars for a long time.
Alternative: Dangerous Driving – if the Prosecutors stick to this, Tong could be looking at anywhere from zero to seven years.

He’s got all his chances turned down, and he’s still standing by his refusal to admit guilt on any of them. Confusing? Definitely. Fun? Well, if you’re a lawyer who enjoys page‑turning courtroom drama, maybe.

The Bail Buzz

In the island’s traditional common‑law playground, defendants are usually free unless the prosecutors prove a clear reason to keep them locked up. Under the new law, the script flips, and it’s your job to show the court that you won’t run afoul of the law if you’re let out.

So, back to the drawing board for Tong. He’s still stuck, but the legal script keeps evolving – watch for the next big twist.

Judge‑Panel Wins Over Jury‑Trial in Hong Kong Case

In a recent twist that feels like a courtroom drama mash‑up, the Court of Appeal decided to deprive Tong of a jury trial. Instead, a trio of sharp‑witted judges — Esther Toh, Anthea Pang, and Wilson Chan — will steer the proceedings.

Why the Jury Corner?

Jury trials are gilt‑ed with tradition in Hong Kong’s legal scene.
They safeguard defendants from the government’s heavy hand.
Think of them as a citizen checkpoint against overreach.

But the Court Couldn’t Take That Risk

They tossed the jury flag because personal safety concerns could put jurors and their families in danger. The government’s security law, inked in Beijing, says a jury might be scrapped for three reasons:

Protecting state secrets.
Handling cases involving foreign forces.
Ensuring jurors and near‑relatives stay safe.

In Tong’s case, it was the last bullet. A panel, not a crowd, will decide whether he’s guilty or not.

Wrapping Up

While the decision might feel like a downgrade for a trial‑by‑jury fan, it’s a reminder that modern courts must balance the rights of the accused with real‑world safety concerns. Let’s watch how the judges play the cards — and whether Tong’s fate cracks open under their collective gaze.

First Person Charged Under Hong Kong’s National Security Law Pleads Not Guilty – China News