20th March 2023 – (Hong Kong) In January of this year, the basement market at Ginza Plaza in Mong Kok was investigated, and two men and one woman were accused of selling books with inflammatory content. They were charged with inciting others to commit crimes. Last Friday (17th), during a hearing at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts, all three individuals pleaded guilty and were sentenced today (20th). The presiding judge, Judge Peter Law, criticised the defendants for their careful planning and collaboration in promoting, producing, and printing the controversial publications. They even set up stalls during the Christmas and New Year holidays to attract more buyers.
These publications are like time bombs that could easily reignite the calm society. Ultimately, the court decided to sentence the three individuals to 5 to 10 months in prison. The three defendants include the founder and journalist of a web media outlet known as “Pastor Keung” (31 years old, pastor), Lee (52 years old, businessman), and his wife(48 years old, pet groomer). The charges allege that between 2nd December, 2022 and 17th January, 2023, the three individuals promoted, sold, and/or displayed inflammatory publications on Facebook, Instagram, and at a stall located at Ginza Plaza on Sai Yeung Choi Street South.