Ex-fireman Jailed Over Molotov Cocktails At Protest

A former firefighter was jailed for 34 months on Friday over an anti-government protest where he carried four Molotov cocktails.

Fong Chi-hung, 34, pleaded guilty to five charges at the District Court in relation to a protest in Mong Kok on November 10, 2019.

Handing down the sentence, Judge Timothy Casewell said the Molotov cocktails which Fong had in his possession could have led to an escalation in the unlawful assembly that was taking place.

The judge noted that as well as having Molotov cocktails in a bag, Fong was also holding one in his hands, saying this was more serious.

Casewell also said Fong had played a coordinating role at the scene and police found him with an unlicensed radio communication device, namely a wireless microphone.

The judge said although Fong had been commended for his decade-long service as a firefighter and was remorseful, a deterrent sentence was required.

Another defendant in the case, Chiu Ho-chun, 26, was given 28 months behind bars for illegal assembly and possessing two Molotov cocktails.

A third defendant, a 17-year-old student, was sent to a rehabilitation centre for taking part in the same protest.