Hong Kong sees seventh arrest under new domestic national security law

Another 53-year-old woman has been arrested in relation to the seditious posts regarding a “sensitive date” published on a social media page, marking the seventh arrest made under a new locally-enacted national security law.

This came as police yesterday (Tue) arrested five women and a man aged 37 to 65, including jailed June 4 candlelight vigil organizer Tonyee Chow Hang-tung, on suspicion of committing “offenses in connection with seditious intention” under section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

The ordinance is enacted through Article 23 of the Basic Law and came into effect on March 23.

It is understood that the five others are former Tsuen Wan district councilor Katrina Chan Kim-kam, dentist Lee Ying-chi, activists Lau Ka-yee and Kwan Chun-pong, and Chow’s mother.

Sources also said the 53-year-old woman arrested today (Wed) is Kwan’s wife surnamed Poon.

“Investigation revealed that a woman, remanded in custody, had exploited an upcoming sensitive date to repeatedly publish posts with seditious intention on a social platform anonymously with the assistance of at least six arrested persons since April 2024,” a police statement issued on Wednesday read.

The content of the posts provoked hatred towards the Central Authorities, the Hong Kong government, and the judiciary, and incited netizens to organize or participate in relevant illegal activities at a later stage, police also said.

“The arrested persons are being detained for further enquiries, except for the one who has been in custody.”

Police reiterated that offenses in connection with seditious intention are very serious crimes with a maximum penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment.