Hong Kong student avoids jail for seditious graffiti in commercial complex toilet
A Hong Kong student has been spared jail for seditious acts in breach of the domestic national security law, after a court ruled that his good background, young age and the limited impact of his offences constituted “exceptional circumstances”. Leung Kai-lok, 19, is potentially the first person to avoid a custodial sentence for violating the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, although he…
A 19-year-old Hong Kong student, Leung Kai-lok, has been given a chance to rehabilitate after being spared jail for seditious graffiti in a commercial building toilet. The student, who works part-time at the Vanuatu consulate, was found guilty of three counts of criminal damage for writing anti-government messages in the men's toilet.
The court ruled that his good background, young age, and the limited impact of his offenses constituted "exceptional circumstances" warranting 1½ years of probation instead of a custodial sentence. Leung must attend psychiatric and psychological counseling and take part in community activities and courses as instructed by his probation officer.
He also has to pay HK$1,500 in cleaning expenses to the commercial complex. The court rejected his claims of mental instability and police coercion, deeming him neither mentally unwell nor forced into a confession. Leung's defense highlighted his clean record, strong family support, and determination to change his ways. The chief magistrate acknowledged the gravity of the offense but found the present case less severe than making seditious comments on social media.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
