Hong Kong Sentences Three for Bomb Plots Over COVID-19 Border Restrictions
A Hong Kong court has handed down lengthy prison sentences to three men involved in a plot to use explosive devices to force authorities to shut the city's borders during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lukas Ho, 41, received an 18-year sentence for his role as mastermind, with Judge Johnny Chan citing his lack of remorse and inflated ego as reasons for the harsh punishment.
Chan stated that while Ho showed no remorse, Lee and Cheung, who were first-time offenders, each received a four-month reduction in their sentences. However, Chan emphasized that the court's primary concern was to provide sufficient deterrence, rather than rehabilitation.
The three men had been charged in relation to a homemade bomb that went off in a hospital toilet in January 2020 and explosive devices found at a railway station the following month. Fortunately, neither incident resulted in casualties. The plot was part of an attempt to pressure authorities into closing Hong Kong's borders during the pandemic, when COVID-19 was spreading rapidly in neighboring mainland China.
Earlier this month, a jury acquitted five other individuals involved in the same case, but the convictions of Ho and his co-defendants bring closure to the ordeal for many who were affected by the plot. The sentencing marks a significant step towards justice and safety in Hong Kong, where the pandemic highlighted concerns about public security and the rule of law.
A Hong Kong court has handed down lengthy prison sentences to three men involved in a plot to use explosive devices to force authorities to shut the city's borders during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lukas Ho, 41, received an 18-year sentence for his role as mastermind, with Judge Johnny Chan citing his lack of remorse and inflated ego as reasons for the harsh punishment.
Chan stated that while Ho showed no remorse, Lee and Cheung, who were first-time offenders, each received a four-month reduction in their sentences. However, Chan emphasized that the court's primary concern was to provide sufficient deterrence, rather than rehabilitation.
The three men had been charged in relation to a homemade bomb that went off in a hospital toilet in January 2020 and explosive devices found at a railway station the following month. Fortunately, neither incident resulted in casualties. The plot was part of an attempt to pressure authorities into closing Hong Kong's borders during the pandemic, when COVID-19 was spreading rapidly in neighboring mainland China.
Earlier this month, a jury acquitted five other individuals involved in the same case, but the convictions of Ho and his co-defendants bring closure to the ordeal for many who were affected by the plot. The sentencing marks a significant step towards justice and safety in Hong Kong, where the pandemic highlighted concerns about public security and the rule of law.
! I mean, using explosive devices to try and force your way out of lockdown? That's just insane. Thankfully, no one got hurt in the end, but still... 18 years is a pretty harsh sentence for Lukas Ho. I think it sends a strong message that kind of behavior won't be tolerated in Hong Kong. And yeah, it's good to see justice being served and people feeling safe again 
. The pandemic was a really tough time for everyone, but it's awesome that the courts were able to bring some closure to the whole ordeal 
.
And what's with the four-month reduction for the others? That seems kinda contradictory. Don't they get punished enough as it is? 
But at the same time, I guess you have to think about deterrence and all that... maybe it was necessary, but still, 18 years feels a bit excessive... or am I just not seeing the bigger picture here? 
I'm still shaken by these guys' plans to use explosives just because they didn't like the border restrictions 
. It's good that Lee and Cheung got a break, though - four months off isn't so bad 
. Still, it's just a reminder that these kinds of plots can still happen, even in a place like Hong Kong that's supposed to have its act together 
. Can we ever be too safe, I guess? 
Anyway, at least justice is served now and we can all breathe a sigh of relief 
The fact that there were no casualties is what matters most, let's just hope this doesn't happen again 
. It's always a good thing when justice is served, especially for those affected by the plot 
.
it just goes to show how seriously they take border restrictions during pandemics and how far people will go to disrupt them 
.
. at least now we know who's behind this plot and can all breathe a sigh of relief 
I'm so relieved that this crazy plot was caught & those responsible got what's coming to them 
anyway, it's a good day for Hong Kong to finally see some closure & know they're safer now 
. The fact that these guys didn't even show any remorse for their actions is wild - you'd think someone would be sorry they put so many people in danger... I'm glad the court was firm with the sentences though, it's not like a slap on the wrist is gonna teach them anything 
. It's still hard to believe that those devices were ever found and that nobody got hurt... what if they had? The thought of those guys going around planning to blow stuff up just makes me shudder 
These guys went full on crazy trying to blow up their way out of lockdown