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Convicted of Incitement to Subversion, China Chongqing Private Entrepreneur Li Huai-qing was Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison with All His Assets Frozen

(20 Nov) China Chongqing Private Entrepreneur Li Huai-qing was accused of Inciting Subversion of State Power, fraud, extortion and illegal detention. Nearly half a year after the trial, the verdict was given today (Nov 20). Chongqing No.1 Intermediate People's Court found him guilty on all charges and sentenced him to 20 years in prison, 3 years of deprivation of political rights, and the freezing of all of his assets. Eight of Li's employees were also sentenced to prison terms, ranging from 4 to 16 years.

Li Huaiqing, 54, is a native of Chongqing and was the owner of Chongqing Fuhua Pawnshop prior to his arrest. He has a long history of caring and supporting the underprivileged and helping pneumoconiotics. In early 2018, he, his wife, children, and a group of company employees were arrested by Chongqing police and accused of joining a WeChat group called Global Reality, spreading rumors, reprinting articles critical of the Chinese regime, and retransmitting recordings that referred to a "violent revolution".

After the verdict today, Li's wife, Bao Yan, was scheduled to meet with her husband. She said that her husband requested the meeting, which took place in the basement of the courthouse, where lawyers meet their clients. "We just had a little chat. My husband was very peaceful. He said it was his honor to be accused of these charges, especially incitement of subversion." Bao Yan also said that the so-called crime of incitement to subversion referred to the private messages forwarded to her son through WeChat app, as well as some chats with friends. "Even private conversations are allowed to be used as evidence to accuse him of inciting subversion of state power, don't you think it's absurd? We will definitely appeal."

Source: MingPao News

Translated by: Hong Kong Echo

#China #Entrepreneur #Arrested #AssetsFrozen

Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Movement Marks the Fourth-Year Anniversary

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the Pro-democracy anti-extradition bill movement in Hong Kong, which began with a massive demonstration of 1.03 million people taking to the streets.

On this day four years ago (June 9, 2019), the #CivilHumanRightsFront organized the "Defend Hong Kong, Protest against Extradition Bill" to express opposition to the proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, also known as the anti-extradition amendment bill (#AntiELAB). The amendments were set to be deliberated in the Legislative Council (#LegCo) on June 12. The protest garnered widespread support, with an estimated 1.03 million Hong Kong citizens participating.

However, the Hong Kong Police reported a much lower turnout, stating that only approximately 153,000 individuals joined the demonstration at Victoria Park, with a peak attendance of 240,000.

In response to the demonstration, the government issued a statement at 11 p.m. that evening, affirming its intention to proceed with the amendments. This refusal to heed public demands resulted in clashes between protesters and the local police force at the Legislative Council.

Subsequent weeks witnessed a series of demonstrations and confrontations, during which the Hong Kong police employed tactics such as tear gas, rubber bullets, beanbag rounds, and pepper ball guns. These actions were met with accusations of police brutality while the government denounced the protesters, labelling their actions as "black violence" and drawing parallels to a "colour revolution."

The Civil Human Rights Front later put forward five major demands:
1. The withdrawal of the extradition bill
2. The retraction of the "riot" designation
3. The release of arrested individuals
4. An independent investigation into alleged police misconduct
5. The resignation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam

From June 2019 to early 2020, the demonstrations and conflicts persisted, shaping the course of the pro-democracy movement.

Throughout the entirety of the pro-democracy movement, a total of 10,297 individuals were arrested. Up to now (June 9, 2023), over 70% (7,369 people) of the cases remain unresolved. This figure excludes over 800 individuals accused of more severe crimes, which were claimed to have further investigation. Consequently, nearly 6,500 people have yet to face formal charges.

As of December 31, 2022, 2,928 people have either undergone or are currently in the judicial process. Among them, 1,475 people have been convicted, 304 have signed behaviour bonds, six have been issued care or protection orders, and four have been found in contempt of court (in civil proceedings). Fifty-seven people had their charges withdrawn, 387 people were acquitted after trial, and the cases of the remaining individuals are still ongoing. Additionally, 25 people were released after receiving a warning from the police.

Source: The #Collective HK; #Jun09

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#CourtCaseStatistics #Arrested #5Demands #Fouryears #Jun09 #Jun12 #Review