Pro-independence delivery man indicted under Hong Kong’s security law

More than 30 people have been arrested under the law. The delivery man, who is the third person formally charged, is currently in custody. As police dragged him away, he shouted: “Spread the news, democracy is cultivated with blood and sweat.” Another indicted man, Tony Chung, was allegedly beaten in detention.


Hong Kong (AsiaNews) – A food delivery man was indicted today in Hong Kong under Beijing’s national security law on charge of secessionism, RTHK reported.

Ma Chun-man, 30, was arrested seven times between 15 August and 22 November for chanting slogans calling for the independence of the former British colony.

After charges were read, Ma Chun-man shouted: "Spread the news, democracy is cultivated with blood and sweat." Police officers then dragged him out of the courtroom.

Ma is the third person to be formally charged under Hong Kong’s draconian security law. the legislation, which came into effect on 30 June, criminalises secession, subversion, terrorism and collaboration with foreign forces.

The Chinese government imposed it to stifle protests by the pro-democracy movement. More than 30 people have been arrested so far under the new law, including the well-known publishing magnate Jimmy Lai.

Ma Chun-man will remain in custody until the next hearing, in February. He is not alone. Tong Ying-kit and Tony Chung are also in the same situation.

Tong was arrested for terrorism and secessionism on 1 July because he waved an independence flag. Chung is accused of inciting secession by posting a series of comments on social media.

Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, who faces up to five years in prison, said that prison sources told him that Chung, 19, was beaten in prison, an accusation prison authorities reject.