Opinion | Political freedom never an excuse to commit crimes

By Edward Hei Leung, DAB Standing Committee Member

Leon Tong Ying-kit, who drove a motorcycle into a group of police officers last year, was sentenced to nine years in prison recently. Wars of words erupted after the city's first person convicted under the National Security Law (NSL). US State Department expressed its deep concerns over Chinese officials deploying NSL to silence dissenting voices, whereas European Union criticized the legislation being used to stifle political pluralism, the exercise of human rights and political freedoms in Hong Kong. Did their accusation reflect the truth?

Remember that Tong Ying-kit is a law-breaking criminal

In Leon Tong's case, he, on one hand, deliberately flew a flag with the political slogan "liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times", one of the rallying cries in 2019 anti-government movements. On the other hand, he drove a motorcycle passing multiple police checkpoints and crushing into a group of officers, even though the police has already fired two pepper balls to warn him. As a result, he was found guilty of inciting succession and terrorist activities. In light of this, is Leon Tang a law-abiding citizen? Can US and EU tolerate irrational independence movements, especially terrorist acts?

US double standard on dealing with criminals

Let us refer to US, the country that criticizes Hong Kong most after the NSL enactment. In 2019, Dijon Kizzee, a 29-year-old black man, rode a bicycle and violated vehicle codes. Negligible though this act might seem in Hong Kong, Dijon Kizzee got killed by Los Angeles Police because of his disobedience. What will happen then if Leon Tang drive a motorcycle into a group of US police officers? Considering that he passed through three police checkpoints at that moment, is that a terrorist act?

Aside from this, Robert Sanford, a retired firefighter is now accused of hurling a fire extinguisher at a police officer and face charges related to the Jan. 6 insurrectionist riot in the White House. Faced with three felony counts for allegedly assaulting officers, he could be sentenced to as many as 20 years in prison on the most serious charge. Yet, in Tong's case, he drove his motorcycle at high speed, crushed three policemen and got jailed for 9 years. Under this circumstance, does Tong's misbehavior really not deserve such a 9-year sentence?

Who is the one trampling on Hong Kong legal system?

Last Saturday, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs fired back the western criticism. "It is only natural for the SAR's judiciary to deal with criminals according to the law. Certain foreign forces claim to safeguard human rights and freedom, but they disregard criminal acts that endanger people and public safety", the spokesman said.

In fact, if western politicians carefully read the case, Leon Tong did not only advance his political agenda, but also attacked three police officers, the symbol of law and order, and cause injuries indeed. If the Department of Justice did listen to western advices and chose not to prosecute Leon Tong, what would happen to our legal system? Who is the one blatantly trampling on Hong Kong's judicial strengths?

It is no surprise that western politicians eagerly find alternatives to disguise their faults and more importantly divert their citizens' attention amid COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of initiating disease control measures, they put lots of efforts into blaming China, making political capital and offering instantaneous reactions despite having little grasp, if not any, of the facts. Should this phenomenon be promoted in western world?

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