Hong Kong jails two in first sentences for violating new security law

Both men were sentenced for committing seditious acts as defined by Hong Kong’s controversial new national security law. Chu Kai-pong, 27, was sentenced to 14 months in prison Thursday for wearing a T-shirt with a protest slogan that read, “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” according to a report by the Associated Press. Prosecutors said Chu was trying to spread hatred, contempt, or disaffection toward the country’s foundational system, as well as Hong Kong’s law and order. They also warned his actions could prompt others to break the law.

The other defendant, 29-year-old Chung Man-kit, confessed to writing pro-independence messages on the backs of bus seats, and was sentenced to 10 months in prison, according to a report by Reuters.

What is this new law? Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law is a security measure that went into effect in March. Supporters say it further criminalizes treason, insurrection, and sedition. It also expands Hong Kong authorities’ power to punish challengers to their rule, increasing the maximum sentence for anti-government demonstrators from two years to seven.

How has the U.S. reacted to Article 23? Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the United States is deeply concerned about Article 23. He said the measure’s vaguely defined provisions could be used to further erode the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong.

Dig deeper: Read June Cheng and Erica Kwong’s article in WORLD Magazine about Hong Kong’s fight for democracy.