Judgment for Tong Ying-kit to be announced on July 27

The High Court will announce the judgment for Tong Ying-kit, the first defendant charged under national security law at 3pm on July 27.

The three designated judges – Anthea Pang Po-kam, Esther Toh Lye-ping and Wilson Chan Ka-shun on Tuesday, the 15th day of the trial, heard the closing statements from the prosecution and the defense.

Tong, 24, a former waiter, pleaded not guilty to charges of terrorism, inciting secession and an alternative charge of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm on July 1, 2020, a day after the national security law came into effect.

He charged at the police officers riding a motorcycle and flying a flag with the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times”.

In the closing statement, the prosecution said Tong aimed to charge at the officers at that time and he didn't avoid hitting them. It added that Tong ended up severely injuring three officers, who were then admitted to hospital.

The prosecution also said defense's two expert witnesses, who specialize in politics and journalism, are not experts in the history of China and the Chinese language, and added their research failed to help the court to understand the slogan.

On the other hand, the defense said Lau Chi-pang, a history professor for the prosecution was too rigid when interpreting the meaning of the slogan. Defense said Lau's interpretation does not equal that of Tong, and everyone interprets the slogan differently.

It added that the word “revolution” could mean huge or important changes, without any sign of subverting the state or over throwing the government.

After hearing the closing statements from both sides, the three judges said they need some time before writing the judgment. They then decided to adjourn the case and to announce their judgment next Tuesday.