Verdict awaited as first Hong Kong security trial ends

The trial of the first person to be charged under Hong Kong’s sweeping national security law has ended after nearly a month, and observers are awaiting a verdict to see how similar cases might be dealt with

HONG KONG -- The trial of the first person to be charged under Hong Kong’s sweeping national security law ended Tuesday after nearly a month, and observers are awaiting a verdict to see how similar cases might be dealt with. Tong Ying-kit, 24, was accused of driving his motorbike into a group of police officers while carrying a flag bearing the protest slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our times” on July 1 last year, a day after the national security law was imposed by Beijing. He pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting secession, terrorism and an alternative charge of dangerous driving. The trial was held in the High Court with no jury, a departure from the common law system in Hong Kong. A verdict will be handed down on July 27, with life imprisonment the maximum penalty if he is found guilty.