HK democracy activist gets 40 months in prison
HONG KONG: A pro-democracy Hong Kong radio DJ was jailed for 40 months on Wednesday for “seditious speech” under a British colonial-era law that authorities have embraced as China flattens dissent in the city.
Tam Tak-chi, 49, is among a growing number of activists charged with sedition, a previously little-used law that prosecutors have dusted off in the wake of massive and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019.
The DJ’s crimes were made more serious by the fact they continued after China imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020, judge Stanley Chan said on Wednesday while announcing the sentence.
Better known by the name Fast Beat, Tam hosted a popular online talk show that backed democracy and was highly critical of the government, often using colourful language.
He was a regular presence at the city’s pro-democracy protests and often set up street booths to deliver political speeches. Prosecutors accused Tam of inciting hatred against authorities by chanting the popular protest slogans.
YouTube blocked the account of Hong Kong’s sole leadership candidate John Lee on Wednesday as part of US sanctions against the city’s former No 2 official who said the move will not affect his bid to lead the city for the next five years.
Separately, Facebook owner Meta Platforms said that while Lee can keep “demonetised presences” on Facebook and Instagram, it had taken steps to prevent use of payments services. Lee’s Facebook page was still visible on Wednesday.
Deadline expires
Russia’s latest ultimatum to Ukrainian fighters holding out in Mariupol expired on Wednesday afternoon with no sign of mass surrender as Moscow pressed ahead with its offensive in the east and Western governments promised Ukraine more help.
Thousands of Russian troops backed by artillery and rocket barrages were attempting to advance in what Ukrainian officials have called the Battle of the Donbas - a final push by Moscow to seize two eastern provinces it claims on behalf of separatists.
Russia’s nearly eight-weeklong invasion has failed to capture any of Ukraine’s largest cities.