Ex-HK leader gets 20 months in prison
Hong Kong, Feb. 22: A former leader of Hong Kong was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 months in prison for misconduct after failing to disclose plans to rent a luxury apartment for his retirement from a businessman applying for a broadcasting license.
High Court Judge Andrew Chan said it was a stunning downfall for Donald Tsang, 72, who served as Hong Kong’s leader, or chief executive, from 2005 to 2012.
He becomes the highestranking current or former official sent to prison for wrongdoing in the Asian financial hub, which prides itself on a reputation for clean governance.
“Never in my judicial career have I seen a man fallen from such a height,” Mr Chan said. “However, it is not in dispute that the defendant has dedicated himself to public service for the past 40 years.”
The judge said he was going to give Mr Tsang 30 months but took off 10 because of his good character and contribution to Hong Kong.