A Hong Kong man who was shot by police during pro-democracy protests in 2019 was sentenced yesterday to 47 months in prison on charges of rioting, assaulting a police officer and perverting the course of justice.
Tsang Chi-kin was the first known victim of police gunfire during the months-long protests beginning in June 2019.
Tsang was charged with rioting and assaulting police. But after he was released on bail, he failed to appear in court. In October 2020, he tried to seek asylum at the U.S. Consulate but was turned away.
He hid in various locations in the city with assistance from members of a YouTube channel that was critical of the Hong Kong government, and then attempted unsuccessfully to flee by boat to Taiwan. He was recaught by police in July 2022.
Deputy District Judge Ada Yim said the sentencing had to reflect the court’s determination to safeguard public order. She said Tsang was well-prepared for his acts as shown by the gear he was carrying, including the metal rod, and that he ignored a police warning.
Tsang, 22, appeared calm as the sentence was delivered. Yim said he had written in a mitigation letter that he regretted his acts.
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