A 16-year-old boy has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison by a Hong Kong court for joining a Taiwan-based political group that promoted the city’s independence, in breach of the national security law.
The boy, who earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit secession, was found on Monday to be an “active participant” in the activities of the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union, in which he served as secretary.
The Union, founded by fugitive Alan Keung Ka-wai, advocated Hong Kong’s “liberation” from mainland Chinese rule, sought international recognition for a self-proclaimed “Hong Kong Parliament”, and supported the setting up of an army to “restore and defend” the city.
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Earlier this month, the government banned the two foreign-based groups in Hong Kong, invoking its power under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the domestic security law, for the first time.
Handing down the sentence on Monday, judge Ernest Michael Lin Kam-hung ruled that the boy, who was previously granted anonymity due to his young age, actively took part in planning, discussions, and promotion of the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union.
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The boy approached Keung in November 2024, expressing his interest in joining the group and saying he could offer help with his analytical and public speaking skills.