Hong Kong police arrest man on suspicion of sedition after he thanks South Korean authorities for anthem blunder
- Man, 42, accused of posting seditious messages on his social media accounts since last year
- Suspect allegedly appealed to people who were opposed to the government’s anti-pandemic policies to resist
Officers searched the 42-year-old courier’s home and office after he was arrested in the New Territories on Monday, a force spokesman said.
A force insider said the man had allegedly disseminated seditious messages, including “delivering mail is no longer my duty. The most important thing to do now is to fight for Hong Kong”, since last year via his social media accounts.
He was also said to have advocated “self-training for black-clad violence”, referring to the protests during the 2019 anti-government unrest.
And he appealed to people who were opposed to the government’s anti-pandemic policies to resist, the source added.
The police source said the man had reposted the viral video clip showing Asia Rugby – the organisers of the tournament in Incheon – playing the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong” rather than “March of the Volunteers” as the visiting Hong Kong team took to the field for the final against the host nation on November 13. The incident enraged Hong Kong’s top officials and politicians, triggering a police investigation.
The video re-post came with a note allegedly added by the man, saying: “Thanks to Incheon, South Korea, for recognising Hong Kong’s national anthem,” according to the police source.