Hong Kong Man Convicted for Wearing Protest T-Shirt Under New Security Law

Chu Kai-pong faces up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to sedition for wearing a T-shirt with a pro-democracy slogan.

Chu Kai-pong, 27, is the first person convicted under Hong Kong's new national security law enacted in March 2024.
He was arrested on June 12 at a train station for wearing a T-shirt with the slogan 'Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times' and a mask with 'FDNOL'.
The new law increases the maximum sentence for sedition from two years to seven, and up to 10 years if collusion with foreign forces is involved.
Chu's lawyer argued that there was no proof the slogans incited secession or radicalized anyone during the 25 minutes he wore the items.
Critics, including human rights groups and the United Nations, have condemned the law for its vague definitions and potential to suppress dissent.