2019 protests: Ex-law student, 27, handed 34-month jail term for rioting following successful gov’t appeal

A Hong Kong court has sentenced a 27-year-old former law student to 34 months in prison for her participation in a riot during the 2019 social unrest. The ruling on Wednesday in the District Court reversed her earlier acquittal, following a successful appeal by the Department of Justice.

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the violence that night was severe and the rioting caused a public nuisance.

Alice Tong, who was 21 at the time of her arrest on August 31, 2019, was found guilty of rioting after a retrial. Judge Edmond Lee stated that the violence that night was severe and caused public nuisance. He noted that Tong's clothing and gear indicated her participation was not minor. Despite a previous acquittal nearly seven years prior, the appellate court found the circumstantial evidence of her involvement to be "overwhelming."

Judge Lee acknowledged a discretionary sentence reduction due to the significant time elapsed since the incident and the impact on Tong's career aspirations. Her conviction has halted her opportunity to become a lawyer. The judge cited the defense's plea in mitigation, noting Tong's inspiration to pursue law after her mother's successful work injury claim, believing the legal system could protect vulnerable groups.

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her participation was not minor.

Tong, who moved to Hong Kong from mainland China at age four, was studying at Lancaster University in the UK during the summer of 2019. According to the defense, she was influenced by peers and participated in the riot. Her arrest prevented her return to the UK to continue her studies, causing immense pressure and contributing to her mother's relapse of depression.

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the circumstantial evidence of Tong’s participation in the riot was “overwhelming,”