Hong Kong protests: four years’ jail for only person convicted of rioting during August 31, 2019, day of unrest

The first and only person to be convicted of rioting over violent clashes on a notorious date of the 2019 Hong Kong protests has been jailed for four years, after the judge dismissed his defence that he was attending the anti-government demonstration as a volunteer paramedic.

Transport worker Chan Cho-ho, 25, was sentenced for his role in the outbreak of violence on the night of August 31, 2019, when an unauthorised rally from Wan Chai to Central descended into chaos that spread across Hong Kong Island.

Six co-defendants were cleared of the same charge last month as prosecutors failed to prove their guilt based solely on circumstantial evidence, including their black attire and presence near the protest scene.

Passing sentence on Monday, District Judge Frankie Yiu Fun-che said the case involved large-scale disorder outside the Sogo department store in Causeway Bay, where 300 black-clad protesters – most of whom were wearing protective armour – set fire to roadblocks, hurled petrol bombs and shone flashlights at officers.

“In the present case, the riot was clearly not one that took place spontaneously ... It was extremely threatening [to public safety],” the judge said.

Delivering Chan’s guilty verdict last month, Yiu said it was clear the defendant was equipped with a chest guard, arm bracers, respirator, helmet and a pair of goggles so he could take part in the riot.

The judge dismissed Chan’s claim that he had intended to offer first aid to those injured using six rolls of bandages in his rucksack.

However, Yiu said there was no evidence Chan assumed a leading role in the riot, nor was there any suggestion the unrest had resulted in casualties.