Hong Kong’s first national security law convict among 4 released early, sources say

In a surprising turn of events, the first person convicted under Hong Kong's national security law and three other individuals linked to high-profile cases have been granted early release, according to sources cited by the South China Morning Post. Tong Ying-kit, sentenced to nine years in prison in July 2021 for inciting secession and engaging in terrorist activities, was released early after expressing regret for being misled by false information during the 2019 unrest.

The other convicts to benefit from early release were Cheung Kim-hung, the former publisher of Apple Daily, paralegal Chan Tsz-wah, and "Hong Kong Story" activist Andy Li Yu-hin. All three were part of the case involving Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai Chee-ying. Chan was freed in June, Li in September, and Cheung was released on Sunday.

Cheung, 64, appeared on a Shenzhen study tour organized by Hong Kong's Correctional Services Department and expressed excitement about experiencing mainland China's autonomous driving technology. The department declined to comment on individual cases regarding early release.

Following the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in 2024, Hong Kong has tightened the conditions for granting early release to national security prisoners. The commissioner of correctional services must ensure that early release does not compromise national security. The CSD reported that the mainland exchange visit was part of its "Path to Rehabilitation" program, aimed at reinforcing rehabilitated individuals' understanding of national security and their commitment to the rule of law.