Protester in Hong Kong jailed for 5 weeks following a police assault conviction

In a courtroom in Hong Kong on May 30, 2022, political activist Ken Tsang was sentenced to five weeks in prison for assaulting and resisting officers during mass rallies in 2014. The sentencing comes amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the police force's treatment of pro-democracy protesters during the same period.

During the sentencing, Magistrate Peter Law stated that Tsang showed "extreme insult and provocation" towards police officers. However, Tsang remained calm throughout the hearing, maintaining his stance that he was only defending himself during the altercation.

The incidents in question took place at the height of mass protests seeking free leadership elections in Hong Kong, a movement that came to be known as the "Umbrella Revolution." Video footage showed a group of men assaulting a handcuffed Tsang in a public park, with one man seen punching him while three others were seen repeatedly kicking him.

Tsang has accused the police of bringing assault charges against him to distract from their own case, as three officers—Ken Tsang Ka-lok, Wong Wai-hung, and Leung Kwok-hung—are set to stand trial separately for allegedly beating him during the 2014 protests. The trial for these officers is set to begin on June 1.

The conviction marks the first for a high-profile figure involved in the "Umbrella Revolution." Around 30 supporters, some carrying yellow umbrellas, protested outside the courthouse, shouting "shameful police" and "I want true universal suffrage."

Tsang, a social worker and a member of Hong Kong's pro-democracy Civic Party, vowed to appeal the sentence over the "liquid splashing incident." He has been bailed pending appeal and has expressed his belief that the court's decision was politically motivated.

Activists have accused authorities of targeting those at the forefront of the movement, as the incidents rocked the reputation of the city's police force. The protests called for a free vote on the city's leader, a demand that remains unfulfilled to this day.

Magistrate Peter Law believes a jail term is the only appropriate option for Tsang, as he has shown no sign of remorse. The courthouse was packed with Tsang's supporters during the sentencing, a testament to the ongoing support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.