A Hong Kong court has delivered a significant ruling, sentencing a 19-year-old woman, Bettie Lan Fei, to one year in prison for promoting a self-styled parliament-in-exile based in Canada. This sentencing took place at the West Kowloon Court, falling under the contentious national security law.
Details of the Case
Bettie Lan Fei was convicted of sedition for her involvement in rallying public support for an allegedly illegitimate Hong Kong Parliament. This assembly aimed to dismantle the Hong Kong government and abolish the Communist Party of China.
Judicial Remarks
Chief Magistrate Victor So Wai-tak, responsible for this case, highlighted the serious nature of Fei’s actions. He indicated that she played a crucial role in promoting the group’s radical agenda through two promotional videos. Additionally, she encouraged a friend to participate in the election organized by this entity.
Legal Context
Magistrate So, selected by the city’s leader to oversee national security cases, underscored the group’s illegality. He noted that their activities heightened public dissent against the authority of the Communist Party in Hong Kong. Furthermore, he argued that the operation aimed to create a global narrative hostile to both the People’s Republic of China and its governance over Hong Kong.
Implications of the Ruling
So described the group’s initiatives as an attempt to distort perceptions of Chinese sovereignty. He asserted that their goal was to mislead foreign entities regarding the political situation in Hong Kong, promoting an extremist ideology.
Conclusion
This case represents a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s ongoing legal landscape concerning national security and sedition. The ruling against Bettie Lan Fei emphasizes the authorities’ commitment to maintaining order and countering perceived threats against the state.
