A Hong Kong court has denied an appeal from Woo Tsz-kin, who was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to take a police officer’s gun during a protest in 2019. The Court of Appeal ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support Woo’s claims, as he did not testify during the trial.
Key Takeaways
- Woo Tsz-kin’s appeal against a six-year prison sentence was rejected by the Court of Appeal.
- The incident occurred during a protest on November 11, 2019, in Sai Wan Ho.
- Woo’s co-defendant, Chow Pak-kwan, was also sentenced to six years and was shot during the protest.
- The judges emphasized the need for Woo to have testified to support his defense.
Background of the Case
The protests in Hong Kong began in June 2019, initially sparked by a controversial extradition bill. Over time, these protests evolved into broader demonstrations against police conduct and Beijing’s increasing influence over the city. On November 11, 2019, demonstrators gathered in various districts, leading to significant disruptions and confrontations with law enforcement.
Woo and Chow were found guilty in August 2022 of obstructing a police officer and attempted robbery. Chow was also convicted of attempting to escape lawful custody. Both were sentenced to six years in prison, reflecting the severity of their actions during the protests.
Court Proceedings
During the appeal hearing, Woo’s legal team argued that the trial judge, District Judge Adriana Noelle Tse Ching, had reached conclusions without a factual basis. They contended that Woo’s actions could have been a natural reaction rather than an attempt to seize the officer’s weapon. However, the judges pointed out that Woo’s failure to testify during the trial weakened his case.
The panel of judges, consisting of Derek Pang, Maggie Poon, and Anthea Pang, stated that Woo’s lawyers could not provide evidence on his behalf. They emphasized that the opportunity to clarify his actions was available during the trial, and his absence from the witness stand was detrimental to his appeal.
Arguments Presented
Woo’s representatives also sought to challenge the length of the prison sentence, arguing that he was unarmed during the incident and did not inflict serious injury on the officer. They highlighted that Woo was only 19 at the time and had been influenced by the political climate, believing his actions were justified.
Despite these arguments, the judges maintained that the original sentence was appropriate, citing the need to uphold the law and the seriousness of the defendants’ actions. The court noted that both Woo and Chow had acted in a manner that openly challenged police authority, which warranted a significant penalty.
Conclusion
The rejection of Woo Tsz-kin’s appeal underscores the ongoing tensions in Hong Kong regarding the legal repercussions of the 2019 protests. As the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of these events, the judiciary’s stance reflects a commitment to maintaining order and authority amidst a backdrop of civil unrest. The written judgment from the Court of Appeal is expected to provide further insights into the court’s reasoning behind the decision.
Sources
- Man jailed for attempting to snatch gun in 2019 loses appeal bid, Hong Kong Free Press HKFP.
