1st person charged under Hong Kong’s sweeping national security law found guilty of secessionism and terrorism

HONG KONG (AP) — The first person to be tried under Hong Kong’s sweeping national security law was found guilty of secessionism and terrorism. Tuesday’s ruling was closely watched for indications of how the law will be applied as China tightens its grip on the city long known for its freedoms. Tong Ying-kit was charged with inciting secession and terrorism for driving his motorcycle into a group of police officers last year while carrying a flag bearing a banned protest slogan. Rights groups condemned his conviction, and many are bracing for further such trials. The law is part of Beijing’s increasing crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong following months of anti-government protests in 2019. Tong pleaded not guilty to the charges. He now faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.