Hong Kong protests: technician jailed for 4 years and 7 months for desecrating flag, burning barriers

District Judge Anthony Kwok Kai-on on Wednesday found Wong Cheuk-lai, 24, had displayed “terrible conduct” and played a key role in the spontaneous destruction of the Chinese flag at Tung Chung Swimming Pool on September 1 that year, by tearing it down and spray-painting a security camera to cover up the act, which seriously undermined national dignity.

The flag was later passed to other protesters who stuffed it into a rubbish bin before taking it out to wipe the container and two ash trays. It was then dumped on the ground and set on fire.

“Imprisonment was the only option,” Kwok said. “Had the defendant not been involved, the flag may not have been successfully dismantled, desecrated and destroyed.”

The judge also noted that Wong had been surrounded by 50 protesters at the time, adding it was only fortunate that his flag desecration did not incite others to commit further crimes when emotions were running high.

The District Court heard the incident was the first of a series of crimes Wong committed on the same day.

On top of flag desecration and criminal damage, Wong was also found guilty earlier this month of attempted arson for dousing flammable liquid over a roadblock, as well as arson for lighting a water-filled barrier belonging to Hip Hing Construction.