Subversion case sentencing shows severity: Chris Tang

Secretary for Security Chris Tang said the sentences handed down on Tuesday in the city's largest national security case to date reflected the severity of the offence. Speaking after the High Court court sentenced 45 people for conspiracy to commit subversion, Tang also told reporters that the government will look into individual cases before deciding whether to appeal. "I think different people may have different judgements about whether the sentencing is appropriate. But I think the important point is the rule of law," Tang said. Meanwhile, eight others, including former lawmakers James To and Roy Kwong, are currently on bail after they were arrested three years ago for participating in the unsanctioned Legco primary aimed at bringing down the government. They have yet to be charged. "For every case, if we have sufficient evidence, we will arrest and we will prosecute," Tang said. Barrister and Executive Councillor Ronny Tong told RTHK that the sentencing reflected the application of common law principles. "One can see that the sentencing may not be as severe as a lot of people originally think, but it has its basis by reason of the fact that the court is effectively sentencing these defendants according to common law principles," Tong said. "One must still remember that we are talking about serious crimes, albeit it a conspiracy crime may simply involve a situation where the crime has yet to be committed. Nevertheless from the sentencing, one can see that the court will treat it seriously and I think people should be aware of this."