Hong Kong Protester Shot by Police in 2019 Jailed for Six Years
On Wednesday, a Hong Kong man who was shot by police at close range in 2019 was sentenced to six years in jail on three charges — attempting to escape from custody, obstructing a police officer, and attempting to steal an officer’s gun.
Facts
- On Wednesday, a Hong Kong man who was shot by police at close range in 2019 was sentenced to six years in jail on three charges — attempting to escape from custody, obstructing a police officer, and attempting to steal an officer’s gun.
- Chow Pak-kwan, who was 21 when he was shot during protests in Sai Wan Ho, and his co-defendant, Woo Tsz-kin, have been in custody since they were convicted in August.
- Chow lost his right kidney and suffered a liver injury during the incident. Video footage showed the officer drawing his gun and pointing it at protesters blocking the road before grappling with a protester and firing at an unarmed Chow.
- The shooting took place during Hong Kong's citywide protests three years ago, which began in opposition to a proposed extradition bill. As of this August, Hong Kong had arrested nearly 10.3K people over the protests and had initiated proceedings or prosecuted approximately 2.9K.
- During sentencing, judge Adriana Noelle Tse Ching stated Chow and Woo showed no remorse and that they themselves were responsible for their injuries.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Hong Kong FP, Channels TV, Straits Times, and RTHK.
Narratives
- Anti-China narrative, as provided by LA Times. In the years since the protests against China's increased power over Hong Kong, many freedoms the protesters were fighting for are gone. Making matters worse, China seems to have given up on the protesters, who can’t make a life for themselves after they’re released from prison. The PRC has ruined these people’s lives.
- Pro-China narrative, as provided by Global Times. Western democracies, like the US, continue to expose themselves as hypocrites. On the one hand, the US shames and imprisons participants in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, but Washington encourages dissent and protests in Hong Kong. While Western democracies find their countries struggling, they should be more accepting that China is exploring a different path that has led to remarkable achievements.
