Former part-time RTHK reporter prosecuted over imitation firearms, radio gear, tells Hong Kong court items were props for school project
- Design student Hung Ka-wing, 22, was on his way to cover event at police academy last year when he was stopped for identity check
- Former boss testifies the equipment was not required for his assignment
A former part-time RTHK reporter prosecuted for carrying two air guns and a walkie-talkie near the Hong Kong Police College last year has said the items were props in a school project.
Hong Kong Design Institute graduate Hung Ka-wing, who now works as a cook, stood trial at Eastern Court on Wednesday having previously denied possession of imitation firearms and radiocommunication apparatus without a licence on April 15, 2021.
The 22-year-old was on his way to cover performances at an open house event at the police academy in Wong Chuk Hang for public broadcaster RTHK, when he was stopped for an identity check at Exit B of Ocean Park MTR station at about 8.10am.
The event was part of an official campaign to mark the first National Security Education Day since the imposition of the national security law in June 2020. The new law criminalises acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, with a minimum jail sentence of 10 years applicable in serious cases.
Hung, who was pursuing a higher diploma in film, television and photography, began working in RTHK as an intern in March last year, as he needed at least 90 minutes’ work experience to graduate.
Hung’s supervisor, RTHK multimedia chief editor Steven Chen Yi-an, testified that the handheld radio device and two plastic pistols seized from Hung were not equipment required in his job duties, nor was there instruction for him to carry those items to the police premises.