Eight people were given jail sentences of between 44 and 56 months on Friday for taking part in a riot near the Polytechnic University during the 2019 social unrest.

The defendants, aged between 21 and 63, are Cheung Wing-sheung, Lam Chin-ching, Liu Hong-leung, Lee Ping-lok, Auman Yick, Li Ka-vi, Poon Wing-kit and Au Hoi-fung.

Seven of them were convicted at the District Court of offences such as rioting and possessing weapons, while Au Hoi-fung had pleaded guilty.

In sentencing, Judge Ernest Lin pointed out that this case stemmed from the siege of the Polytechnic University, which paralysed traffic in the area. He said protesters had not considered whether their act would hurt anyone or damage any properties.

He said most of the defendants were young people with a good background, adding that while sentencing them to prison was a difficult decision, youth was not a mitigating factor.

The judge noted though, that the defendants were not unforgivable and he understood that they had broken the law because they felt suppressed.