'Minimum Sentence Could Be 10 Years In Major Cases'

Executive councillor Ronny Tong said on Monday that he understands that some of the offences covered by the national security laws would have a minimum sentence – and for very serious cases it could be set at 10 years.

The senior counsel was speaking to RTHK after reports suggested that the crimes covered by the law for Hong Kong would carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Tong said there's a "high possibility" that those convicted of secession and subversion would face a maximum sentence of life in prison, as that is in line with international practice.

In such cases, he said a minimum sentence could be set at 10 years.

Tong pointed out that he doesn't know the details of the new law as Beijing has yet to publish it. But the executive councillor told RTHK's Candice Wong that there are maximum and minimum sentences set out for some crimes in the mainland's criminal code.

"It is rather uncommon nowadays in Hong Kong, but we’re here talking about a national law, and I believ it could be drafted in such a way so as to be in line with most criminal codes on the mainland,” he said.

"It is not entirely unusual, even in common law countries, because in Hong Kong, if I remember correctly, some of the older laws that we have also have minimum sentences. But the actual effect, of course, is it would mean that the trial judge would have less room to manoeuvre in terms of punishment."