Seven Activists Jailed Over July 1 Protest

The District Court on Saturday sentenced seven activists to between six and twelve months behind bars for their roles in a protest on July 1 last year.

The seven are former lawmakers Wu Chi-wai, Leung Kwok-hung and Chu Hoi-dick, former district councillors Chui Chi-kin and Tsang Kin-shing, former convenor of the now-disbanded Civil Human Rights Front Figo Chan and Tang Sai-lai from the League of Social Democrats.

They had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of organising, taking part in or inciting others to join the unauthorised protest last year on the anniversary of the SAR's handover.

Chan was sentenced to 12 months in jail, Tsang and Wu to 10 months, Leung eight months and the others six months.

Handing down the sentences, Judge Douglas Yau said Wu and Tsang, given their social status, were able to incite others to take part in the protest, while Chan took a leading role in the demonstration.

He said the defendants were aware of the possibility of violence erupting even though they had hoped to organise a peaceful rally.

Yau said he had reduced the sentences for some defendants considering their minor roles in the case, their health conditions and previous contribution to society.

Chan, Chu and Leung were already in jail after being convicted in other cases.

The eighth defendant, former district councillor Lancelot Chan, has pleaded not guilty to incitement. His case has been adjourned until June.

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