Former student leader released after serving sentence over 2019 storming of Hong Kong legislature

Former student leader Althea Suen walked free from Lo Wu Correctional Institution on Wednesday, concluding a prison sentence for her role in the 2019 storming of Hong Kong's Legislative Council. Welcomed by her father and friends, Suen expressed gratitude for her release.

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Thank you so much, everyone. I’m grateful to finally be out.

Suen was one of 12 individuals jailed for up to seven years for the July 1, 2019, incident, which occurred at the peak of the city's pro-democracy protests. She received a sentence of four years and nine months after pleading guilty. During a mitigation hearing, Suen declared, "In the eyes of the regime, the real crime is the pursuit of democracy, freedom, and human rights." She voiced her hope to live "in truth, to lead an honest and righteous life."

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In the eyes of the regime, the real crime is the pursuit of democracy, freedom, and human rights.

District Court deputy judge Li Chi-ho stated during sentencing that the occupation of the legislature symbolized a challenge to the Hong Kong government. He noted protesters' actions, such as tearing the Basic Law and displaying colonial-era flags, as "insulting and provocative."

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The storming of the legislature symbolised a challenge to the Hong Kong government.

Suen's appeal against her sentence was dismissed in March. The 2019 legislative council storming was a pivotal moment in the months-long protests. While Suen has been released, other convicted individuals, including activist Ventus Lau and actor Gregory Wong, remain imprisoned. Lau is serving sentences for rioting and a subversion case under the national security law, while Wong is serving a six-year sentence.

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Protesters committed “insulting and provocative” acts such as tearing up copies of Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, and displaying colonial-era flags.