Hong Kong protests: man found with crossbow, bolts during anti-government rally says they are for archery sessions

A former university instructor who was caught carrying a crossbow and bolts during an anti-government rally on New Year’s Day told a court the weapons were intended for scouting activities instead of creating chaos in the protest.

Eastern Court heard that Sam Ka-lam, formerly a guest lecturer at Education University, was found with a home-made crossbow, 18 wooden bolts and protest paraphernalia outside Wu Chung House in Wan Chai on January 1, when he was observing the procession on Hong Kong Island.

Following the arrest of the 37-year-old, police further seized two self-made crossbows, five arrows, and screws and pulleys believed to be used to make the shooting devices, inside his flat at Wang Tau Hom Estate in Wong Tai Sin.

He denied two weapons-related offences at Eastern Court on Wednesday, saying the weapons were used by him as a scout leader in archery sessions with children and teenagers. He said he had planned to bring them to his office in North Point that day without intending to shoot people.

He further claimed that the respirators and protective gear he brought along with him were intended to protect him from inhaling dust and wall debris when he renovated the office.

The trial heard that Sam, who currently works in a biomedical firm, belonged to the 121st Kowloon Scout Group in Ho Man Tin, where he taught handicrafts to youngsters aged seven to 16 and offered training to those with special education needs.