July 15 (EUROPA PRESS) –
Up to 18 detainees during the 2019 Hong Kong Polytechnic University protests have been sentenced to between 36 and 57 months in jail for the riots.
Judge Douglas Yau has explained that these sentences are based on the fact that the defendants were present during the riots that occurred in the Yau Ma Tei area since they “encouraged others to disturb the social order,” reports the Hong Kong public television RTHK.
One of them has been sentenced for carrying gasoline and a piece of cloth in what has been interpreted as possession of objects with the intention of destroying property.
The judge has described the scene as “chaotic” and has highlighted that rubble, bottles full of gasoline, extendable batons and hammers were found on public roads, which together with the large presence of “vandals” makes them aware of the “seriousness ” of the situation.
One of the defendants was 17 years old at the time of the riots, so her sentence will not be known until August 5 pending a report from the juvie.
Up to 213 people were arrested and charged in rioting during the 2019 Hong Kong Polytechnic University pro-democracy protests.
So far, 141 people have been sentenced for “riots” and five at one time in reformatories. Up to 125 people have been sentenced to between 29 and 64 months in jail and eleven others are still awaiting sentencing.
