Community service for National Day protest
A protester who climbed atop a police vehicle, stamped on it and obstructed an officer during a demonstration on National Day was ordered yesterday to perform 120 hours of community service.
Simon Lee Ip-kei, 47, had pleaded guilty to behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place and obstructing a police officer in the execution of her duty on October 1 near the Beijing Liaison Office on Connaught Road West.
Lee was taking part in a march with hundreds of other people calling on mainland authorities to improve human rights and protect press freedom when he climbed onto the police vehicle while holding two flags and shouting slogans.
In sentencing, Acting Principal Magistrate Bina Chainrai said: 'Police have a difficult job to maintain order. They have the right to ask the public to co-operate. While freedom of expression is a vital part of Hong Kong society, it must be balanced against public order.'
The magistrate heeded a favourable probation officer's report on Lee, which recommended community service. She ordered Lee to pay HK$500 in court costs.
Outside court, Lee said he understood his behaviour was in breach of the law but he thought the penalty was 'worthy' for drawing attention to issues such as vindication of the June 4, 1989, protesters in Tiananmen Square and human rights on the mainland.
He vowed to continue to engage in demonstrations but said he would refrain from illegal acts.
