The ruling sets a precedent as to how similar cases will be dealt with by the city’s traditionally independent courts in the future.
On Friday,the judges sentenced Tong to 6.5 years for inciting secession and 8 years for terrorist activities. Of these,2.5 years will run consecutively,resulting in a total term of 9 years.
“We consider that this overall term should sufficiently reflect the defendant’s culpability in the two offences and the abhorrence of society,at the same time,achieving the deterrent effect required,” they said in a written judgment.
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Tong’s defence lawyer,Clive Grossman,has indicated he will be appealing the ruling.
Tongwas found guilty of secessionism and terrorism by Hong Kong’s High Court on Tuesday following a 15-day trial with no jury – an exception to Hong Kong’s common law system,made for cases involving state secrets or foreign forces.
He was tried by a panel of three judges handpicked by Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam.