Activist Joshua Wong wins appeal to shorten jail term

Jailed activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung won the appeal to shorten his jail term in the June 4 vigil case and is expected to finish serving his sentence this March.   

However, it is unlikely for him to walk free in March, as he could be remanded until the trial of the pro-democracy camp primary case begins.   

Wong was sentenced to 10 months in jail last year for taking part in the unauthorized June 4 vigil in Victoria Park.   

His lawyer argued that the 15-month imprisonment starting point considered by the lower court was too harsh and that a starting point of 11 months was more appropriate.   

After consideration, the Justices of Appeal of the Court of Appeal, Maggie Poon Man-kay, and Anthea Pang Po-kam, approved Wong's appeal.   

They reduced the sentence to eight months imprisonment after taking into consideration that Wong pleaded guilty. Two months will be served concurrently with his other cases, while six months will have to be served separately.   

The judges expected Wong to finish serving his sentence in March but said he would likely continue to be remanded in custody due to his involvement in the pro-democracy camp primary case.   

Former district councilor Jannelle Rosalynne Leung was also sentenced to four months for her role in the June 4 event.   

Her appeal against the sentence was rejected. Leung was released from prison in July last year.