‘Think clearly before you do anything’: why jailed Hong Kong protester’s TV interview has divided opinion
- Tsang Chi-kin, 22, who was jailed in October for nearly four years, appeared on a national security law show and recounted his experience during the 2019 protests
- Without commenting on case, Correctional Services Department says inmates take part in targeted rehabilitation programme on a voluntary basis
The television appearance of a jailed Hong Kong protester urging residents to think clearly and avoid being incited to commit crimes has divided opinion, with a centrist lawmaker likening the move to mainland Chinese methods while a political observer called it a useful warning to young people about breaking the law.
“You need to think clearly before you do anything, so you can prevent yourself from being incited and instigated by others,” said Tsang, who was dressed in prison clothes for the interview. “Those who face the consequences in the end are only ourselves and our family.”
The TV series, titled National Security Law – the Cornerstone of Prosperity and Stability, has been broadcast since November 27.
Previous episodes touched on national security laws in Britain, the United States and Singapore. A note at the end said Hong Kong police provided information for the show that a force spokesman said referred to some brief facts of concluded court cases.
Without commenting on the case, the Correctional Services Department said inmates took part in a targeted rehabilitation programme, dubbed Project PATH, on a voluntary basis.
“[They] will not get any additional remission in sentence by such participation,” a department spokesman said.
