Hong Kong has charged four individuals for sharing social media posts that urged a boycott of the upcoming legislative council election, which operates under the city's 'patriots-only' system. The charges include sedition and illegal conduct on social media.
Lam Chung-ming, 68, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with the national security offence of 'seditious publication' after allegedly inciting hatred against the government and encouraging voters to abstain. He appeared before the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts on Thursday.
The other three—Wong Kin-kwok, 55, Lam Kin-sik, 66, and Bonney Ma, 61—were charged with breaching Hong Kong's election laws. They face up to three years in prison and fines if convicted. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said the trio reposted messages originally published by two individuals now outside the city, Keung Ka-wai and Tong Wai-hung.
The ICAC strongly condemned those attempting to interfere with the LegCo Election and urged the public to adhere to the law. The arrests come as the government campaigns to boost turnout for the December election, the second since Beijing implemented the 'patriots-only' system in 2021, which critics say reduces public voting power.
Authorities have extended train services and some businesses are offering half-days to encourage voting. Hong Kong leader John Lee recently called on residents to fulfil their 'civic responsibility'.
