28-2-2024 (HONG KONG) A 40-year-old Portuguese music teacher in Hong Kong has been arrested for posting messages on social media promoting Hong Kong independence and crowdfunding “military funds.” The teacher has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
According to reports from Hong Kong’s China News Agency, the teacher is charged with conspiring to incite others to commit acts of secession, a violation of Hong Kong’s National Security Law. He entered his guilty plea on Tuesday (February 27) and will remain in custody until sentencing on April 11.
The case dates back to November 2021 when the police discovered several online platforms operating under the name “Hong Kong Independence Party.” The posts in question were made between July 2020 and November 2022, discussing topics such as mercenaries being hired and the potential harm that crowdfunding could pose to the government. The messages also advocated for online petitions urging the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO to occupy Hong Kong.
The Portuguese defendant, who returned to Hong Kong on November 1, 2022, to visit family, claimed he was merely entrusted with the role of administering the “Hong Kong Independence Party” online platform. He denied posting the controversial messages. However, forensic examination of his phone revealed the personal business card of the party’s chairman stored in his contacts.
