Hong Kong: Pro-democracy DJ jailed for sedition

A pro-democracy activist and radio DJ was sentenced to 40 months in jail on Wednesday under a British colonial-era law that has been dusted off by Hong Kong prosecutors cracking down on dissent in the semi-autonomous city. 

Former radio host Tam Tak-chi is the first person to stand full trial for sedition in Hong Kong since 1997 when the former British colony was handed back to China. 

Tam was arrested in July 2020 soon after China imposed a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong.

He was sentenced on 11 charges, which included uttering seditious words, public disorder and incitement to take part in an unauthorized assembly. The pro-democracy figure was also fined HK$5,000 ($638, €590).

Popularly know by his moniker "Fast Beat, "Tam was openly critical of the city's pro-Beijing government. As he was being taken away from court, he shouted: "Live long, mother, wait for me." 

The presiding judge said Tam's offenses took place when Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement was challenging the city government's pro-Beijing stance. 

The "social and political reality" behind the sentencing allows for a "better understanding of the seriousness of the defendant's crime and its political purpose," said judge Stanley Chan. 

Hong Kong's pro-democracy crackdown continues 

Since the implementation of the contentious security law, there has been a massive growth in number of activists being charged for "seditious speech." However, Tam was the first defendant in 25 years to plead not guilty go through a full trial. His sentencing is expected to set precedent for a number of upcoming sedition prosecutions. 

"My conviction affects Hong Kong people's freedom of speech," Tam wrote in a Facebook post, adding that he would appeal the ruling. The activist has also been denied bail in a separate national security case.

In the sedition trial, prosecutors accused Tam of inciting hatred against the authorities using the popular protest slogan "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times". He was also accused of cursing the police force and repeatedly shouting "Down with the Communist Party".

While western governments and pro-democracy critics have slammed the national security law and the colonial-era sedition diktats as a way to punish dissent, Hong Kong and Chinese officials say the legislation is vital to ensuring stability after violent pro democracy protests shook the city in 2019.

see/wmr (Reuters, AFP)