Tsang Chi-kin, a 22-year-old Hong Kong resident, has come forward admitting his involvement in violent attacks against the police during the anti-government protests of 2019 and his subsequent attempts to seek asylum.
Background:
The 2019 Hong Kong protests were marked by escalating tensions, with numerous reports of confrontations between demonstrators and police. Among the most notable incidents was the case of Tsang Chi-kin. In a significant confrontation in Tsuen Wan on October 1, 2019, Tsang was among the protesters who engaged with the police using tools such as hammers, pliers, rods, and umbrellas. The situation intensified when, wielding a rod, Tsang approached Station Sergeant Tsang Ka-fai, leading to him being shot in the abdomen after the officer had exhausted his non-lethal ammunition. Chinese state media subsequently described this as a “lawful use of force” in line with the officer’s duties.
Post this event, Tsang faced charges of rioting and assaulting an officer. He was temporarily released on bail but failed to adhere to his bail stipulations, leading him to be marked as a fugitive since October 24, 2020.
Asylum Attempts:
Following his non-compliance with bail terms, Tsang, along with fellow protesters Fung Ching-wah (24), Ansen Wong (23), and Alex Wong Chun-yin (17), sought refuge in the US consulate. Their plea was denied. The group then eluded their scheduled court hearings and took refuge with the assistance of Tuesdayroad, a YouTube channel that voices political opinions critical of both the Beijing administration and the Hong Kong government.
One key figure aiding these fugitives was warehouse worker, Yip Ho (35). Yip provided them with shelter across various rented properties, ensuring their basic needs from November 2020 to July 2022. Remarkably, Yip transported the group discreetly by moving them in sealed carton boxes. Over time, differences arose, leading Yip to dissociate from the larger group.
Another associate from the YouTube channel, Chan Sai-tak, now residing in Britain, made demands on the group. He allegedly requested them to create videos appealing to the international community for attention and monetary assistance. In the absence of this, Chan threatened to withdraw his support.
During these hideout months, Tsang confessed that he and his companions had paid approximately HK$550,000 (US$70,320) to seven individuals. They believed these contacts could successfully aid their escape from Hong Kong, though none of these plans came to fruition. The group even contemplated escape routes such as using a bulk carrier for a covert journey to Vietnam or emulating a previous attempt where 12 Hongkongers tried escaping via speedboat but were captured in mainland Chinese waters in 2020.
A potential escape seemed feasible on July 13, 2022. The group was informed of a Taiwan-bound ship ready to transport them.
Capture and Legal Proceedings:
However, their hopes were short-lived. As they departed from a residential area in Kwai Chung, they were swiftly arrested in Sai Kung’s Pak Tam Chung. Yip Ho was apprehended later that same day.
On the legal front, Tsang has pleaded guilty to three major charges: participating in a riot, assault on a police officer, and attempting to obstruct justice. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors decided not to further pursue an additional assault charge against him. The two Wongs and Yip also confessed to attempting to obstruct the course of justice. For his involvement in the protest and failed escape, Fung received a four-year prison sentence earlier this month.
Deputy Judge Ada Yim Shun-yee conveyed her reluctance to grant Tsang a one-third reduction in his sentence despite his guilty plea, citing that his co-accused had already faced penalties while Tsang remained elusive. Additionally, Yim cast doubts over the usefulness of Tsang’s statements to the police in capturing other suspects.
The judgment for Tsang and his associates is slated for mid-October, with all currently in custody.
Conclusion:
The case of Tsang Chi-kin is emblematic of the broader tensions and complexities associated with the 2019 Hong Kong protests. With the legal proceedings underway, Hong Kong and the world watch closely, awaiting a verdict that will have ramifications not just for those directly involved but for the wider socio-political climate in the region.
Read More: