List of Hong Kong national security cases

A person who organises, plans, commits or participates in any of the following acts, whether or not by force or threat of force, with a view to committing secession or undermining national unification shall be guilty of an offence [...]

— Article 20, Part 1 Secession, National Security Law

A person who organises, plans, commits or participates in any of the following acts by force or threat of force or other unlawful means with a view to subverting the State power shall be guilty of an offence [...]

— Article 22, Part 2 Subversion, National Security Law

A person who organises, plans, commits, participates in or threatens to commit any of the following terrorist activities causing or intended to cause grave harm to the society with a view to coercing the Central People’s Government, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or an international organisation or intimidating the public in order to pursue political agenda shall be guilty of an offence [...]

— Article 24, Part 3 Terrorist Activities, National Security Law

A person who steals, spies, obtains with payment, or unlawfully provides State secrets or intelligence concerning national security for a foreign country or an institution, organisation or individual [...] requests a foreign country or an institution, organisation or individual [...], or conspires with a foreign country or an institution, organisation or individual [...], or directly or indirectly receives instructions, control, funding or other kinds of support from a foreign country or an institution, organisation or individual outside the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao of the People’s Republic of China, to commit any of the following acts shall be guilty of an offence [...]

— Article 29, Part 4 Collusion with a Foreign Country or with External Elements to Endanger National Security, National Security Law

A seditious intention is an intention—

(a) to bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against the person of Her Majesty, or Her Heirs or Successors, or against the Government of Hong Kong, or the government of any other part of Her Majesty’s dominions or of any territory under Her Majesty’s protection as by law established; or

(b) to excite Her Majesty’s subjects or inhabitants of Hong Kong to attempt to procure the alteration, otherwise than by lawful means, of any other matter in Hong Kong as by law established; or

(c) to bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against the administration of justice in Hong Kong; or

(d) to raise discontent or disaffection amongst Her Majesty’s subjects or inhabitants of Hong Kong; or

(e) to promote feelings of ill-will and enmity between different classes of the population of Hong Kong; or

(f) to incite persons to violence; or

(g) to counsel disobedience to law or to any lawful order.

— Section 9(1), Crimes Ordinance

Any person who—

(a) does or attempts to do, or makes any preparation to do, or conspires with any person to do, any act with a seditious intention; or

(b) utters any seditious words; or

(c) prints, publishes, sells, offers for sale, distributes, displays or reproduces any seditious publication; or

(d) imports any seditious publication, unless he has no reason to believe that it is seditious,

shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable for a first offence to a fine at level 2 and to imprisonment for 2 years, and for a subsequent offence to imprisonment for 3 years; and any seditious publication shall be forfeited to the Crown.

— Section 10(1), Crimes Ordinance

Pro-independence and Liberate Hong Kong slogans held during 2020 handover protest

Police displayed "purple flag", warned citizens of breaching the NSL

Thousands of protesters gathered on Hong Kong Island on 1 July 2020, the twenty-third anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong, in opposition to the NSL which came into effect on the second day. The 1 July march was banned by the police for the first time.

At around half past one in the afternoon, Raphael Cheung was found to be carrying a flag of "no to Hong Kong independence" on Paterson Street, Causeway Bay by police, of which "no to" can be barely seen in a very small font size.[2] The man became the first to be arrested under the NSL.[3]

Eileen Ho, girl aged 15, was arrested for waiving pro-independence banner. Shum Lit-cheong, 24, was arrested for wearing shirt with "Liberate Hong Kong".[2]

Some were arrested for different reasons on the same day, and released by police:

• A 67-year-old lady, surnamed Chow, for holding pro-independence slogan.[2]
• 23-year-old man, for carrying dozens of "Liberate Hong Kong" materials.
• Two 36-year-old women, for carrying pro-independence materials.
• 19-year-old man, for carrying "Liberate Hong Kong" sticker.[2]
• 26-year-old man, for carrying pro-independence banner.

In the afternoon of 1 July 2020, Tong Ying-kit, aged 23, drove a motorcycle with the flag "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" towards police in Wanchai, injuring 3.[4] Tong was arrested at the scene, and was the only one charged among the 10 arrested under the NSL on that day.[5]

Charged with "committing incitement to secession" (Article 20 and 21 of NSL) and "terrorist activities" (Article 24 of NSL), Tong became the first defendant under the new law.[6] He was denied bail and remanded in custody following multiple denials of bail by court.[7][8] Secretary of Justice Teresa Cheng decided on 9 February 2021 that Tong's case will be tried without a jury, instead by three NSL-designated judges.[9] Tong challenged Cheng's decision but rejected by court.[10]

The trial began on 23 June 2021, nearly a year after the incident. He pleads not guilty to all charges, including a new, alternative charge for terrorism of "dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm", which can lead to up to seven years in prison.[11] 15 days of trial mainly focused on the meaning of the flag Tong carried, whether such can be interpreted as supporting Hong Kong independence.[12]

The High Court found Tong guilty on 27 July, and sentenced him to a total of 9 years in prison on 30 July, of which secession and terrorist activities carried 6.5 and 8 years of imprisonment respectively after part of them would be served concurrently.[13] Tong appealed to the verdict and sentencing according to the lead defence lawyer.[14]

Rayman Chow arrested after showing Liberate Hong Kong slogan

A year after Yuen Long attack, on 21 July 2020, citizens gathered in Yoho Mall chanting slogans. Kwai Tsing District Councillor Rayman Chow Wai-hung was arrested after police suspected him breaching the NSL for holding slogan of "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our time". Although not being charged,[15] Chow was the first elected representative to be arrested under the law.[16]

Tony Chung, pro-independence student activist

Studentlocalism, a pro-independence Hong Kong student activist group, announced to dissolve the Hong Kong headquarter before the NSL imposed, while maintaining overseas operation. Despite so, Tony Chung, the last convenor of the group, along with former spokesman Ho Nok-hang, former members Yanni Ho and William Chan, were arrested on 29 July 2020 on suspicion of breaching the NSL after forming "Inititative Independence Party".[17] Chung was said to be the administrator of the Party and Studentlocalism U.S. branch's Facebook page, and continued to upload comments advocating Hong Kong independence after the NSL entered force.[18] Four were granted bail two days later, Chung was asked to delete posts on social media and his saliva specimens were taken by police.[19]

Tony Chung, Yanni Ho and William Chan were arrested again for inciting secession on 27 October 2020, after Chung reportedly denied entry to U.S. Consulate General for asylum. Tim Luk, a former member of the group, was also arrested for assisting fugitives on 9 November 2020.[20] While the other three suspects were granted bail, and passports returned on 18 January 2021.[21]

Chung was formally charged with secession, money laundering, and conspiracy to publish seditious material. He was the second individual facing charges under the NSL - and bail denied as well.[22] While remanded in custody, Chung was sentenced to 4 months in jail for desecrating PRC national flag and unlawful assembly,[23] and given 43-month jail sentence on 23 November 2021.[24]

Headquarter of Apple Daily was cordoned off

Executives of Next Digital, the parent company of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, were arrested on 10 August 2020, which its office was raided on the same day. Three were suspected of violating the NSL: founder of Next Digital Jimmy Lai and his son Ian Lai, and CFO Royston Chow. Jimmy Lai's private secretary Mark Simon, a foreign national, was reportedly wanted by the law. Jimmy Lai and his older son Timothy Lai, CEO Cheung Kim-hung, Royston Chow, administrative director Wong Wai-keung, animation director Kith Ng, a total of 6 people were accused for alleged fraud.[25] Jimmy Lai was accused of financing groups advocating sanctions against Hong Kong.

All arrestees were granted bail by the police originally, until 2 December 2020 when Jimmy Lai was arrested again and formally charged with fraud on the next day. He was denied bail by court and remanded in custody. While waiting for bail hearing, Lai was charged again for colluding with foreign forces on 11 December.[26]

The bail appeal received grave concern from the public before and after Lai was finally allowed to leave from custody on 23 December by court. Despite the conditions of bail were said to be as strict as similar to house arrest, Department of Justice (DOJ) of the Government immediately appealed to the top court, while pro-Beijing media and government mouthpieces strongly criticised the decision of letting Lai leaving the detention centre. Lai, on 31 December, was sent to jail again after the court decided to consider the appeal,[27] and the government won on 9 February 2021.[28] Subsequent bail application by Lai were denied.[29] He faced additional charges and was jailed for his participation in protests.[30][31]

Stephen Ting, former executive director at Next Digital, was arrested on 2 March 2021 by the NSD, accused of fraud, and was released on bail.[32]

Chan Pui-man, Assciate Publisher of Apple Daily, arrested

Next Digital was raided for the second time on 17 June 2021, with Cheung Kim-hung and Royston Chow arrested again. Three executives (Chan Pui-man, Assciate Publisher of Apple Daily; Law Wai-kwong, Editor-in-chief of Apple Daily; Cheung Chi-wai, Chief Executive Editor of Apple Daily and Platform Director of Apple Actionews, the digital video news platform of Apple Daily) were handcuffed for the first time. All five were accused of collusion under the NSL. Search warrant was granted to National Security Department by court under the NSL Article 43 to search for news materials. The police froze the assets of Apple Daily under the order from Secretary for Security,[33] accused the media outlet of endangering national security through journalism,[34] and demanded the removal of several articles urging foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and China.[35] On 19 June 2021, Cheung Kim-hung, Law Wai-kwong, and three Apple Daily companies, Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited, AD Internet Limited, were formally charged with collusion – for the first time news media and companies faced National Security charges. Bails for Cheung and Law were denied.[36] Apple Daily opinion writer Yeung Ching-kei, known under the pen name Li Ping, was arrested on 23 June 2021 and later bailed out, also accused of collusion over calling for foreign sanctions.[37]

Apple Daily, citing an increasingly risky environment and limited financial resources, decided to shut down after the final issue on 24 June 2021, with all social media accounts and website vanished after midnight on 23 June.

Fung Wai-kong, another editorial writer under the pen name Lo Fung, was arrested on 27 June at the airport when he was about to leave for Britain.[38][39] Chan, Fung, Yeung, and Lam Man-chung, former executive editor-in-chief of Apple Daily, was arrested on 21 July 2021, and formally charged with collusion.[40] Court denied all bail applications in the separate case, and four remanded in custody.[41] All defendants faced the new charge of sedition on 28 December 2021. The starting date of accusation was dated back to 1 April 2019, two months before large-scale protests erupted.[42] Chan Pui-man was arrested for the third time and jailed the next day in relation to the Stand News case.

Following the cease of operation and the arrest of executives, Next Digital was liquidated on 15 December 2021 after the application filed under Companies Ordinance by Financial Secretary.[43][44]

Finn Lau, known as "Brother of Laam Chau"

Jimmy Lai Chee-ying was accused, by National Security Department, to have close connection with "I want Laam Chau", a doctrine said to be similar with mutual assured destruction. Despite of the denial by the Laam Chau group, Finn Lau, the activist coining the term familarily known as "Brother of Laam Chau" and exiled to Britain, was wanted. Two other members (Wilson Li Chung-chak and Andy Li Yu-hin) of the team, who invited foreign academics to monitor the 2019 local elections, were arrested on 10 August 2020.[45]

The Lis were granted bail 2 days later, but Andy Li was arrested again by Chinese authorities for his failed attempt fleeing to Taiwan, which will be known as "the case of 12 Hongkongers". While Li was serving the 7-month sentence handed in China on 30 December 2020, Chan Tsz-wah, his assistant, was arrested on 15 February 2021 by Hong Kong police for collusion, and had his bail denied later.[46]

Following the release on 22 March 2021, Andy Li was sent back to Hong Kong and later charged with collusion, conspiracy to assist an offender, and possessing ammunition without a license.[47][48] Both Li and Chan admitted to collusion on 19 August 2021, recognising Jimmy Lai and Mark Simon as the mastermind of "Hong Kong Liberty" and "Stand with Hong Kong", which raised fund for lobbying against Hong Kong and Chinese governments. The other non-National Security offenses of both defendants were filed by the court and practically dropped.[49]

Agnes Chow in 2019

Agnes Chow Ting, a core member of the dissolved localism political party Demosisto, was also arrested on 10 August, accused of collusion. Chow was granted bail a day later, but was charged with unlawful assembly on 30 August 2019 for her participation in the protest on 21 June 2019.[50] Pleading guilty, she was jailed for 10 months, and was released from the prison on 12 June 2021.[51][52]

Adam Ma Chun-man, nicknamed "Captain America 2.0" for his costumes, is an activist who frequently chanted and displayed pro-independence slogans in various protests. He was arrested for at least seven times (15 August,[53] 22 September,[54] 15 October,[55] 21 October,[56] 28 October,[57] 3 November,[58] 22 November,[59] in 2020) prior to his indictment of inciting secession on 24 November, two days after his final arrest.[60] Ma was not granted bail,[61] and was found guilty on 25 October 2021 after one-week trial.[62] Ma was sentenced to jail for 69 months on 11 November 2021.[63]

"Dragon Slaying Brigade" is a group planning to injure or kill police officers, in revenge to the crackdown on protestors.

Lai Chun-pong, owner of phone repair shop "Fix 3C", was arrested by the NSD on 5 September 2020 for "conspiracy to harm police officers" in December 2019,[64] and was later charged.[65] He was the first arrested by National Security Police on non-NSL offences, which raised concerns on the power of the NSD. Lai was arrested in July 2019 for disclosing information without consent, but was released later.[66] According to court documents, Lai and eight others were alleged of plotting bomb attack to slaughter police during anti-government protest, including three that failed to flee to Taiwan.[67] Eventually the case had a total of 13 defendants, some related to protests on 8 December 2019, a shooting incident on 20 December 2019, three were one of the 12 Hongkongers tring to flee Hong Kong and seek refuge and Taiwan.

Ng Wing-tak, co-founder of online media outlet PPPN International, was arrested on 1 October 2020 for conspiracy to injure police officer with intent in December 2019, suspected in connection with the "Dragon Slaying Brigade".[68] Ng was released on bail and not charged.[69]

Tam Tak-chi in 2020 during pro-democracy primaries debate

Tam Tak-chi, nicknamed "Fast Beat", was the vice-chairman of pro-democracy political party People Power. He was arrested by National Security Department and charged on 6 September 2020 for his "seditious" comments in street booths after National Security Law came into force. With bail application denied, Tam remanded in custody.[70]

Before his indictment, Tam was repeatedly arrested and had already faced charges in 2020 for illegal assemblies.[71][72][73] As of November 2020, Tam faced a total of 14 charges in three cases.[74] He was re-arrested and charged with subversion for his participation in pro-democracy primaries.

It is reported that a female was arrested on the same day for shouting pro-independence slogans using a megaphone, accused of breaching the NSL. She was released on police bail.

Tam was found guilty of 11 out of 13 charges on 2 March 2022.[75] He was sentenced to jail for 40 months on 20 April 2022.[76]

Lui Sai-yu, a first year student at Hong Kong Polytechnic University who joined the protests before, was arrested on 24 September 2020 along with his 49-year-old mother. Lui was charged with: possession of arms without licence, import of strategic commodities without licence, possession of offensive weapon; while his mother was bailed out by police. After dropping strategic commodities offence, prosecutors charged Lui with inciting secession in April 2021 for spreading independence slogans, and he had his bail application denied.[77] The grammatical errors in the indictment papers was also highlighted by the magistrate.[78] Lui agreed to plea guilty to the National Securtiy offences on 28 October 2021.

Two more were arrested by the NSD on 30 April 2021, likely to be in connection with this case. The 28-year-old male was arrested for inciting secession while the 22-year-old female for dealing in arms without licence. Both were not charged.

The District Court found Lui guilty on 27 April 2022 after pleading guilty.[79] He was jailed for 5 years.[80][81]

Protests in front of Chinese embassy in London on China's national holiday on 1 October 2020

Nine were arrested by the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau of the Police Force on 10 October 2020 for assisting the attempted border-crossing of the 12 Hongkongers, and was released on bail later.[82] One of those was said to be arrested on the ground of breaking the NSL.

11 more were arrested by the NSD in connection with the case on 14 January 2021, including: Daniel Wong, Kowloon City District Councillor; Rono Fok, musician; Cheung Ching-yan, mother of Willis Ho, ex-Secretary General of Hong Kong Federation of Students. A total of 20 were arrested.[83]

Wan Yiu-sing was a popular host at D100 Radio, better known as DJ Giggs. Starting "Thousand Parents, Taiwan Aid" programme in February 2020 to help protesters exiled to Taiwan, he claimed Democratic Progressive Party, the ruling party of Taiwan, and Mainland Affairs Council of the Taiwanese Government were informed of the programmme.

On 21 November 2020, Giggs, Tsang Bik-wan, his wife, and Alice Lee Po-lai, his secretary, were arrested, accused of "providing financial assistance for secession" and money-laundering.[84] Three were granted bail a day later.[85] Three more, aged between 28 and 58, were arrested for the same accusation in connection with this case, which was only announced after media's inquiries.[86]

Giggs was arrested again on 7 February 2021 and charged with sedition on the next day, for his comments on radio instead of the "Taiwan Aid" programme.[87] Bails were denied twice by judges and hence he remanded in custody as of now.[88][89] Giggs faced 6 new charges on 10 May 2021 for his frequent contact with two Taiwanese organisations, Judicial Reform Foundation and Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. Alice Lee was charged with money-laundering but with bail granted.[90][91]

Protest at Chinese University of Hong Kong on 19 November 2020

The 88th congregation ceremony of Chinese University of Hong Kong was planned to be held on 19 November 2020, but was changed to online due to COVID-19 pandemic. Students and protesters, nevertheless, rallied in university on the day as to mark the CUHK siege a year before, chanting, showing or graffitiing Liberate Hong Kong or independence slogans on the campus. Police from National Security Department entered the campus for investigation after protest ended under the call from university.

On 7 December 2020, 8 were arrested for unlawful assembly, including two local councillors Issac Lee and Eason Chan.[92] Among those, 3 non-CUHK students were accused of inciting secession.[93] 2 months later on 18 February 2021, a student studying in the Department of Philosophy was arrested for inciting secession. None of the arrested faced charges.[94]

On 2 March 2022, more than a year after the congregation, the National Security Department charged two with "conspiracy to publish seditious words", including one currently serving jail term. One was granted bail.[95]

Long queue outside primaries polling station

Following the landslide win in 2019 local elections, pro-democracy camp aimed to win a majority in Legislative Council through primaries and tactical voting, as general election was expected to be held in September 2020, in order to force the government to accept the five demands proposed during protests. Benny Tai, former Associate Professor of Law at the University of Hong Kong, wrote an article titled "10 Steps to Laam Chau – The Fate of Hong Kong",[96][97] detailing the plan which could force the dissolution the Legislative Council and the resignation of Chief Executive, or else to result in more violent clashes and foreign sanctions.

During the campaign, 33 members from the "resistance camp" signed "No regret – Steadfast Resistance" statement which pledged to utilise all power given as a legislator, including to veto financial budget, as to force the government to concede.[98] Gordon Ng, with "Lee Pat-lo" as penname, advocated "three voting and three not voting" – pro-democracy camp supporters should vote in primaries, vote in general election, vote for winners of primaries, not to vote for those not supporting, or participating primaries, or obeying primaries results.

The Chinese Government strongly criticised the poll, claiming the "primaries" were manipulated and unfair, unlawful as no laws regulate such primaries or referendums, provocative against Basic Law and National Security Law as Benny Tai and allies were "foreign agents" wishing to overthrow the government.[99]

The unprecedented arrest operation by National Security Department of the police force started in the early morning on 6 January 2021. 55 were arrested in connection with the primaries, including Joshua Wong and Tam Tak-chi, who were arrested in prison or jail as they were serving sentences for protest or remanding in custody for sedition case respectively. Sunny Cheung and Ted Hui were exiled in 2020 and therefore were not arrested despite participating in primaries. National Security Department regarded Tai's article as the core of attempting to subvert state power.[100] All but Wong and Tam were granted bail, except Wu Chi-wai who later had his bail revoked for violations in another case.

Lam Cheuk-ting and Raymond Chan, both charged and remanded, were brought to court

On 28 February 2021, 47 of those 55 were charged with "conspiracy to subvert the state power", and were brought to court on the next day. Magistrates' Court, for the first time, took four days to consider bail applications. Chief Magistrate Victor So let 15 be bailed out, but was immediately challenged by the DOJ, hence all defendants had to stay behind bars. On 5 March, DOJ withdrew the appeal against 4 (Clarisse Yeung, Lawrence Lau, Hendrick Lui, Mike Lam). 7 more were granted bail by court days later. 4 more defendants left the detention centre following court ruling.

The restriction on reports of bail proceedings, stipulated in Section 9P of Criminal Procedure Ordinance, was another controversy regarding National Security cases, as the judges repeatedly denied Gwyneth Ho's request on revoking the restrictions.[101]

As of now, 13 defendants out of 47 were bailed out. Many quitted their affiliated political parties and announced their retirement from politics. Owen Chow was re-arrested and remanded in January 2022 for breaching bail agreements, followed by Winnie Yu's bail revoked in March 2022.[102]

In the table below, Benny Tai, Au Nok-hin, Andrew Chiu, Ben Chung, Gordon Ng, John Clancey (U.S.-born lawyer) are regarded as the co-initiator of the primaries, or responsible for organising so.

Returning Valiant is a radical revolutionist group mainly formed by students after National Security Law imposed. The group was warned by police of possibly breaching NSL on 31 January 2021 for their street booths.[103] On 5 May 2021, four students (Lai Chun-hei, Yuen Ka-him, Chan Ching-hing, Choi Wing-kit) were arrested after sneaking into Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College. Police, during the search, discovered some belonged to Returning Valiant and hid independence slogans at home, including former spokesman Yuen Ka-him. All were charged with housebreaking later and bailed out.[104] National Security Department arrested a total of seven individuals on 5 and 6 May, five were alleged of subversion but was not indicted.[105]

On 5 July 2021, 10 were arrested for terrorist activities. Among those arrested members of Returning Valiant and their funders, 6 were secondary school students. National Security Department said they attempted to plant car bombs, attack cross-harbour tunnels, railways, courts, public facilities, using TATP.[106][107] Three (Ho Yu-wang, Alexander Au Man, Chan Cheuk-hin) were charged, brought to court, denied bail on 7 July.[108] Others were granted bail by police,[109] including To Yi-sze, a staff at Baptist University said to be providing funding, and his wife Shek Wing-sum. Five more were arrested on 12 July including two funders,[110] charging three (Kwok Man-hei, Chan Hoi-leung, Law Kai-wing) on 14 July.[111] One more (So Wing-ching) charged with terrorist activities on 1 September.[112]

On 28 September 2021, 7 were arrested by National Security Department and charged with conspiracy to incite subversion of the state power.[113] All defendants were denied bail, except Chiang bailed out on 24 December.[114]

A flag reading "Hong Kong independence" at a protest in 2020

National Security Department, on 6 June 2021, arrested a 47-year-old female clerk and a 17-year-old boy for making and spreading leaflets supporting Hong Kong independence. The duo was charged with "conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display or reproduce seditious publication" on 8 June 2021. Despite seditious charges were not under National Security Law, judge Victor So ruled that the harsh bail out standard shall apply in this case,[115] and hence rejected bail application for twice.[116][117] Only until 20 August 2021 was the boy given bail,[118] while the clerk remained behind bars. The two defendants agreed to plea guilty to the charges.[119] This was also the first National Security case handled by judge Kwok Wai-kin after he praised a knife-attacker who stabbed pro-democracy protester "noble".[120]

A flag reading "Free Hong Kong, revolution now", another translation for "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times", at a protest in 2019

A 40-year-old male and a 36-year-old female were arrested on 21 and 25 June 2021,[121][122] after hoisting a flag of "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" in a Mongkok Tong lau. Another 37-year-old male was arrested in Shaukeiwan after posting "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" fai chun and stickers on the door of the flat.[123] All three were accused of seditious words or seditious intention, and were granted bail without being charged.

The General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists was formed in November 2019 at the height of protests. The Union published three cartoon books surrounding wolves and sheep, named Guardians of the Sheep Village, 12 Warriors of the Sheep Village, and Dustman of the Sheep Village. The cartoon books, hinting political implications, were based on the 2019 protest, detainment of 12 Hongkongers, and the strike by medical workers at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic.[124][125]

Following condemnation by pro-Beijing camp and government officials, five from the General Union was arrested on 22 July 2021, accused of violating the NSL. The NSD froze their assets amounting around 160 thousand HKD.[126][127] Chairlady Lai Man-ling and External Vice-chairlady Melody Yeung were charged with seditious publication a day later, and denied bail.[128] On 30 August, the remaining 3 bailed-out executives of the General Union, Secretary Sidney Ng, Treasurer Samuel Chan, and Fong Tsz-ho, were re-arrested and faced the same charge. All bail request denied by judges.[129] The Union was deregistered by the government on 22 October 2021.[130]

Sidney Ng later appealed to the top court, arguing that the strict bail requirement shall not be applicable to non-NSL offences, only to be rejected as the court considered sedition is inevitably endangering National Security, and all offences possible to harm so shall subject to the bail threshold under the NSL.[131]

HKU student leaders resigned after the controversy

On 7 July 2021, the Hong Kong University Students' Union (HKUSU) Council passed a motion with 30 ayes, 2 abstentions, and no objection, that reads "the Union Council expresses its deep sadness at the death of Mr Leung Kin-fai; offers its sympathy and condolences to his family and friends; appreciates his sacrifice to Hong Kong" following the suicidal police stabbing by Leung on 1 July. The resolution soon met criticism and condemnation by the university, police, and Chief Executive for praising "terrorism", as how the government declared the suicidal attack was. Under pressure, all Union Executives along with many councillors resigned on 9 July, and revoked the motion.[132] The university announced that the Union was no longer recognised on campus starting from 13 July.[133] Three days later, the NSD entered the Union Building in HKU for case investigation.[134] All students involved in the 7 July meeting were denied access to campus from 4 August.[135]

On 18 August, the NSD arrested four HKU students (Kinson Cheung, chairman of HKUSU Council; Charles Kwok; ex-president of HKUSU; Chris Todorovski, former student representative of Simon Lee Hall; Anthony Yung, former vice-chairman of the Arts Association) for proposing, seconding, and voicing out support for the motion.[136] Students were charged with advocating terrorism on the next day.[137] Yung was granted bail after days of remanding,[138] and the other three defendants were bailed out around a month later.[139] HKU students voted on the motion were invited to assist investigation in August 2021.

Hong Kong Alliance announced not to submit information under police request, and to hold general meeting on dissolution

Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, founded on the eve of the Tiananmen massacre in 1989, was best known for organising annual memorial vigil for the pro-democracy protest. The Alliance, with ending one-party dictatorship as one of the goals,[140] was accused by the Beijing Government for subverting the state power since its foundation, and was under increasing pressure to dissolve, especially after the handover.[141] However, the authorities did not force the closure of the group, until after the 2019 protest subsided.

In 2020, the police banned the vigil for the first time, citing the ongoing anti-pandemic restrictions but at the time when the NSL was about to decree. Many continued to join the vigil, including 26 leading democrat, who would be arrested and charged later. Following the imposition of the NSL, pro-Beijing camp reaffirmed the attack against the Alliance for breaching the Law. The pressure surged in mid-June 2021, days after the banned 2021 vigil, after Luo Huining, Director of the Hong Kong Liaison Office of the Chinese Government, said the call for ending one-party dictatorship undermines the basis of "one country, two systems", without naming the Alliance.

On 25 August, the NSD, under power conferred by the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the NSL,[142] asked the Hong Kong Alliance to provide information for investigation, including name list of members and staff, as they believed the Alliance is a "foreign agent".[143] The Alliance declined to provide information as they rejected the claims, and confirmed a general meeting will be held to discuss disbandment. Officials soon warned the activists of the legal consequences.[144]

On 8 September, vice-chairlady Chow Hang-tung, and four other standing committee members, Leung Kam-wai, Tsui Hon-kwong, Tang Ngok-kwan, Chan To-wai, were arrested for failing to provide information.[145] June 4th Museum was raided on the next day.[146] Later in the evening, the Hong Kong Alliance, chairman Lee Cheuk-yan, vice-chairman Albert Ho and Chow Hang-tung were charged with inciting subversion; Chow and the four committee members faced an additional offence of failing to provide information. Bails were all denied, but restrictions on reporting were relaxed.[147] The Alliance approved dissolution on 25 September and began the liquidation,[148] but their property were frozen by the NSD four days later, obstructing the liquidation.[149]

On 22 October, the judge approved bail applications by all, consider the time they remanded in custody could exceed the highest possible penalty. However, Chow and Leung gave up the bail as they rejected the ban on interviews and speeches possible to endanger National Security.[150] Leung pleaded guilty on 22 December and was imprisoned for 3 months.[151]

The Hong Kong Alliance, before liquidation procedures were completed, were struck off from the Companies Registry through an order from Chief Executive Carrie Lam on 26 October.

Student Politicism core members in February 2021, with Wong Yat-chin, the convenor, on the right

Student Politicism, a localist student activism group, was formed in May 2020 after decision announced to implement the NSL. The group continuously set up street booths to raise the public awareness on various social and political issues, while police arrested their members for multiple times between September 2020 and July 2021, with accusations ranging from misconduct in public places, refusing police order, to unlawful assembly, and seditious publications.[152][153][154][155][156] Starting from September 2020, Beijing Government mouthpieces Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po launched rounds of attack against Student Politicism members, while Wong Yat-chin, convenor of group, was warned of violating the NSL for the first time in December.[157] Since then, some members left the group after reorganisation, or to concentrate on university affairs.[158]

On 20 September 2021, convenor Wong Yat-chin, secretary-general Chan Chi-sum, and former spokeswoman Jessica Chu were arrested under National Security Law. The NSD alleged the group of inciting subversion through street booths, and provided resources to jailed protesters so as to recruit supporters.[159] Bails were denied after being brought to court. Spokesperson Wong Yuen-lam surrendered to police on 22 September, and was also charged.[160] Student Politicism announced disbandment on 24 September.[161] Only Chu was bailed out as of now.[162]

Logo of Stand News

Stand News, founded in December 2014, was a long-time pro-democracy online media outlet. It gained dominance amongst other news website after their live of 2019 Yuen Long attack. Pro-Beijing camp condemned Stand News as promoting fake news and harming National Security. After Apple Daily ceased operation, Stand News, in June 2021, deleted posts from bloggers and readers. Six also resigned from board of directors. On 3 December, Chris Tang, Secretary of Security, criticised Stand News's "inaccurate" report on CUHK conflict and "smart prison" of Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution, trying to endanger National Security. Stand News rejected Tang's claims.[163][164]

Ronson Chan, deputy assignment editor at Stand News, was asked by police to assist investigation, in what will be the final Stand News live

On 29 December 2021, the NSD arrested six current and former executives of Stand News for seditious publication.[165] The arrested were ex-editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen, acting editor-in-chief Patrick Lam, former director Chow Tat-chi, Margaret Ng, Christine Fong, Denise Ho. HKJA chairperson Ronson Chan, who was a deputy assignment editor at Stand News, was taken by police for assisting probe but not arrested. Chung's wife Chan Pui-man was re-arrested in jail. Lam immediately resigned as chief editor after the arrest.[166][167] Former director Joseph Lin, and co-founders of the news outlet Yu Ka-fai, Tony Choi, were reportedly wanted by the police.

Hours after the arrest, Stand News announced the shutdown. Its social media platforms and websites vanished after 11 pm local time. British bureau also disbanded on the next day.[168]

Chung, Lam, and Best Pencil (Hong Kong) Limited, the owner of Stand News, were charged with seditious publication on 30 December. Others were released by police after overnight arrest.[169] Bails were denied for both.[170] Police froze HK$61 million (US$7.8 million) of Stand News' assets.[171]

On 11 April 2022, veteran journalist Allan Au was arrested by the NSD for allegedly conspiring to publish seditious materials.[172] Local reports said the arrest was related to the Stand News case, as Au's articles in the media outlet are said to be accused of seditious.[173] Currently a Chinese University professional consultant at the School of Journalism, Au worked in TVB News and RTHK, and was a columnist for outlets including Stand News and Ming Pao. Au was bailed out and was not charged.[172]

Koo Sze-yiu, the 75-year-old veteran activist who has been imprisoned for 11 times,[174] was arrested by the NSD for inciting subversion on 4 February 2022, ahead of his planned protest against Beijing Olympics. Four more were brought to police station for further investigation, including Lui Yuk-lin, nicknamed female long-hair after her party colleague Leung Kwok-hung, Chan King-chung, vice-chairman of Chinese Labour Party, Virginia Fung King-Man, former local councillor, Chan Yi-ming, another activist. It was said a coffin for the demo was written with "human rights is above the Winter Olympics" and "end one-party rule".[175][176]

Koo was charged with attempting to commit seditious act on the next day, with bail denied.[175]

Tommy Yuen in 2019

On 15 February 2022, the NSD of the police unit in Sha Tin and Tin Shui Wai arrested two men, aged 41 and 20, who were reported as singers and unemployed respectively. Among them, the 41-year-old man was charged with the offence of committing an act of incitement to act under Section 10 of the Crimes Ordinance and the Money Laundering Ordinance under Section 25 of the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance, while the 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering. After the police conducted a house search, they seized bank cards and records to prove the crime of money laundering. The Secretary for Security also issued a property freezing order in accordance with Schedule 3 of the Implementation Rules of Article 43 of the National Security Law, freezing about 140,000 assets, which were stored in local bank accounts. and a Jockey Club betting account. The 41-year-old man was later identified as pro-democracy singer, Tommy Yuen.

During the press briefing, the police explained the case at a press conference that Yuen has been posting inflammatory behaviors on social media since September last year, hoping to incite hatred against the government, the judiciary, and dissatisfaction among Hong Kong citizens.

In addition, Yuen is also suspected of smearing and calling for boycotts against the government's anti-epidemic measures under the fifth wave of the epidemic, including "singing against the tune" of vaccination measures. In the middle, watch me and show you how to live a good life without kneeling down." He also used foul language to criticize the opinions of experts.

On 17 February, the police formally charged Yuen with one count of “doing an act or acts with seditious intention” under the colonial-era sedition law and appeared in the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court in the afternoon.[177][178] The charge alleges that between 26 September 2021 and 21 January 2022, he made statements on his Facebook and Instagram account with the seditious intent to inciting hatred or contempt against Hong Kong government.[179]

Ascohesion Cheese Tea, a Mongkok bubble tea beverage shop which supported pro-democracy movement, was targeted on 24 February 2022 and two were arrested by the NSD for seditious behavior yesterday after posting anti-vaccination messages online. Officers seized promotional leaflets that contained slogans such as "reject digital surveillance, boycott LeaveHomeSafe." The shop has been posting anti-government and anti-police messages since its launch in October 2020, including a post in February 2022 which reads: "Omicron has already turned into a flu... countries around the world have already scrapped anti-epidemic mechanisms and also called on students not to take the jabs as no vaccines can prevent infection." Other posts claimed the government is insistent on launching a health code so that it can collect residents' personal information as "revenge" for the 2019 protest, and advised students to "pretend they are ill as a side effect of vaccination" and not attend classes, which will hopefully prompt parents to press an end to vaccination programs.[180]

The duo was charged with "doing an act or acts with seditious intention" on the next day. Both denied bail.[181]

A 59-year-old male combat coach and his 62-year-old female assistant were arrested by NSD police on 21 March 2022 for alleged “acts with seditious intention,” and have been detained for investigation. Posters allegedly “incited hate”, electronic communication devices reportedly used to distribute seditious messages, and weapons were found.[182] Ming Pao and HK01 reported that the pair were accused of spreading seditious speech on social media, including asking people not to get COVID-19 vaccines,[183] while posters linked to the anti-extradition bill protests in 2019 were also collected by the police.[184] NSD said the duo were planning to “build an army", with the posts involved inciting others to use force to overturn the regime and inviting netizens to practise martial arts “in preparation for a future revolution and resisting the regime.” NSD was also discussing with the Department of Justice about adding charges under the NSL as the pair’s alleged offences “far superseded seditious acts”.[185]

The pair were charged with acting with seditious intent, possessing offensive weapons with intent and possessing arms without a licence. They were denied bail pending trial.[186]

With many protestors brought to trial in court after being arrested, a group of "court listeners" (Chinese: 旁聽師) was formed to attend court hearings and show the support to those arrested.

On 6 April 2022, six were arrested under sedition law on suspicion of causing nuisance during hearings seriously and affecting the solemnity of the judiciary at the High Court, West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts and Eastern Magistrates’ Courts between December 2021 and January 2022,[187] including a court hearing when activist Tonyee Chow was found guilty of inciting Tiananmen massacre memorial.[188] Tang Kin-wah, former vice-chairman of the opposition-leaning Confederation of Trade Unions, and Siu Wan, a citizen journalist, was also arrested.[189] Siu had clapped hands to support Chow when verdict was delivered. This is the first time "court listeners" overhearing judicial procedures were arrested, and under the colonial sedition law instead of contempt of court. IPAC urged foreign judges to resign from Hong Kong's judicial benches, and labelled the arrest as an attack on Hong Kong's rule of law.[190]

Eventually two arrestees, a pastor surnamed Pang and a housewife surnamed Chiu, were charged with seditious intent and/or seditious words.[191] Chiu was granted bail but Pang's bail application was denied.

At least six activists are said to be formally wanted by the police, namely pro-democracy camp's Nathan Law, Simon Cheng, Samuel Chu; localist Ray Wong; pro-independence Wayne Chan and Honcques Laus.[193][194]

Nathan Law, Wayne Chan and Ray Wong were facing charges before their exile. Samuel Chu is the first non-Hong Kong resident wanted under the NSL.[195]

Details of wanted individuals:

• Nathan Law: former Legislative Council member; charged with unlawful assembly for 2020 Tiananmen vigil; self-exile to Britain and granted political asylum.
• Wayne Chan: leader of Hong Kong Independence Union; charged with unlawful assembly for 9 June 2020 march; possibly self-exile to the Netherlands.
• Simon Cheng: staff at British Consulate-General in Hong Kong; disappeared in China in August 2019 after claims of forced arrest; self-exile to Britain and granted political asylum.
• Ray Wong: co-founder of Hong Kong Indigenous; charged with riot for 2016 Mongkok unrest; self-exile to Germany in 2018 and revealed a year later.
• Honcques Laus: chairperson of Hongkonger Utilitarian Party; self-exile to Britain before the imposition of the NSL.
• Samuel Chu: founder of Hong Kong Democracy Council

Multiple local media reported on 27 December 2020 that 15 to 30 Hongkongers abroad were wanted by the National Security Department. 4 exiled activists were named: Ted Hui, Sunny Cheung, Baggio Leung, Brian Leung.

Details of named wanted individuals:

• Ted Hui: former member of Legislative Council; pro-democracy primaries candidate; charged with nine offences including scuffles during National Anthem Ordinance voting; arrested during protest; with travel documents not confiscated, court approved his departure for Denmark on 30 November 2020 over an invitation from local MP; announced exile soon afterwards; currently self-exile in Australia
• Sunny Cheung: pro-democracy primaries candidate; wanted by court after missing trial for unlawful assembly in 2020 Tiananmen vigil
• Baggio Leung: former member of Legislative Council; found guilty and jailed for 4 months over unlawful assembly in parliament during oath-taking controversy; exiled to United States in November 2020 after released from prison
• Brian Leung: read out Declaration of Hong Kong Protesters when Legislative Council Complex was occupied by protesters; left Hong Kong and was wanted by court after absence in riot trial; currently in the United States for studying doctorate

Paul Harris, ex-chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, whose pro-democracy stance had attracted attacks from the Chinese authorities,[196] met the national security police on 1 March 2022 to assist with an investigation, and was asked to explain acts that had allegedly violated the NSL.[197] According to HK01, the meeting was related to NGO Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor, of which Harris was the founding chairperson.[198] Harris was not arrested, but left Hong Kong for home country United Kingdom just hours after the meeting.[199][200]

Logo of Hong Kong Watch

Hong Kong Watch, a UK-based human rights organisation, was accused by the NSD of colluding with foreign forces, and threatened Benedict Rogers, founder of the NGO, could face imprisonment. The NSD said in the letter that acts, including "lobbying foreign countries to impose sanctions" and "seriously disrupting the formulation and implementation of laws" by the Hong Kong and Chinese Government, constitute collusion offence.[201] Being asked to remove online materials and shut down the website, Hong Kong Watch said the letter confirmed the blockage of the website by the authorities.[202] Since mid-February Hong Kong Watch’s website has not been accessible in Hong Kong without using a VPN.[186] This is also the first time a foreign organisation is being formally accused of breaching the NSL.[203] Foreign Secretary of the UK Liz Truss said in a statement the "unjustifiable action" attempted to silence those who stand up for human rights in Hong Kong is "unacceptable" and will never succeed.[204]

HKCTU members voted to disband the union on 3 October 2021

Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, a pro-democracy union coalition disbanded in October 2021, was raided and four former leaders were brought in for questioning by the NSD, including Lee Cheuk-yan, former MP jailed for illegal assembly. Media reports said the union had allegedly refused to comply with a police request for information based on the Societies Ordinance. They said the force had applied for warrants to search premises related to the organisation.[205]