Hong Kong Men Sentenced for COVID-19 Bombing Plot

A Hong Kong judge has imposed lengthy prison sentences on three men convicted of plotting bomb attacks during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. On October 27, 2023, the court delivered its verdict against Lukas Ho, Lee Ka-pan, and Cheung Ka-Chun, who aimed to pressure the local government into closing the city’s borders due to the escalating health crisis.

The case stems from a series of incidents involving homemade explosives. In January 2020, a bomb detonated in a hospital toilet, followed by the discovery of additional explosive devices at a railway station in February. Fortunately, no casualties resulted from these events. The trio faced charges of conspiracy to cause an explosion, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, although they were acquitted of more severe terrorism-related charges.

Judge Johnny Chan highlighted Ho’s lack of remorse and described his behavior as indicative of an “inflated ego,” which he deemed a potential risk to public safety. Consequently, Ho received an 18-year sentence, while Lee and Cheung were sentenced to 16 years and eight months, respectively. During the proceedings, the defendants maintained a stoic demeanor but smiled at friends and family present in the courtroom as they were escorted away.

The court also heard that the group was linked to a third bomb plot, which prosecutors characterized as an “indiscriminate attack.” This plot was thwarted by law enforcement prior to its execution. Prosecutors noted that the bombings were part of a broader attempt to compel authorities to implement border closures as the COVID-19 outbreak began to escalate in neighboring mainland China.

In a related matter, a jury acquitted five other individuals implicated in the same case last month, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the charges filed. The lengthy sentences handed down in this case underscore the serious approach taken by Hong Kong’s judicial system in responding to acts of violence, particularly during a global health crisis.