The mastermind of a plot to plant bombs and shoot police officers in 2019 was on Thursday jailed for more than 23 years while six others were slapped with jail terms ranging from five years and 10 months to 13 1/2 years each.

The case involving the "Dragon Slaying Brigade" was Hong Kong's first-ever trial under a United Nations anti-terrorism ordinance.

Ng Chi-hung, whom the High Court heard was the mastermind in the case, was given the heaviest sentence of 23 years and 10 months after pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to commit the bombing of prescribed objects and one count of possession of arms or ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Wong Chun-keung, described as the leader of the group, was sentenced to 13 years and six months behind bars.

Five other defendants received jail terms ranging from five years and 10 months to 12 years.

During the trial, the High Court heard the defendants had planned to plant two bombs during a rally marking International Human Rights Day in December 2019, one on Hennessy Road in Wan Chai and the other around 100 metres away.

Steve Li, chief superintendent from the national security police department, told reporters after the ruling that the heavy sentences reflected the severity of the case.

"The statements and evidence [presented in court] showed that this group had the capability and was very active in trying to carry out the action," he said.

"If the police hadn't dismantled this group and their plan in time, it's believed that many people would have been impacted, including those participating in protests or innocent bystanders."

In a statement, the government said the ruling shows that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law.

"The fact that the defendants were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment demonstrates that any person intending to plan and commit terrorist activities, endanger public security or disrupt society tranquillity can never escape sanctions of the law," it wrote.

It added that the Department of Justice will study the reasons for sentencing and consider whether to appeal the sentences.
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Last updated: 2024-11-14 HKT 21:18