China News Agency, Hong Kong, January 8 (Reporter Wang Jiacheng) Mainland reporter Fu Guohao was besieged and attacked by protesters at the Hong Kong International Airport in August 2019.

The involved persons Lai Yunlong, Bi Huifen and He Jiale were convicted earlier of participating in riots and assaults.

The case was pronounced on the 8th and the three were sentenced to immediate imprisonment for 5 years and 3 months, 4 years and 3 months, and 5 years and 6 months respectively.

　　The defendants involved in the case were Lai Yunlong (20 years old), Bi Huifen (25 years old), and He Jiale (30 years old).

They were alleged to have participated in riots with other unknown persons in the G channel of Hong Kong Airport Terminal 1 from August 13th to 14th, 2019, and committed an illegal and malicious injury to Fu Guohao.

Bi Huifen also illegally imprisoned Fu Guohao on the same day and at the same place, imprisoning him against his will.

　　All three were convicted of riots and assault causing bodily harm. Bi Huifen was also convicted of one crime of illegal imprisonment.

In addition, Lai Yunlong earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of ordinary assault and obstruction of public officials, while He Jiale pleaded guilty to one count of possession of offensive weapons.

　　The judge believed that the case took place at the Hong Kong International Airport, which is Hong Kong’s window to the world, and the defendant’s actions made many Hong Kong people sad and ashamed.

It also pointed out that the demonstrators acted crazy and provocative that night, and the defendants were arrogant and controlled by violence.

Moreover, there was no epidemic at the time of the incident. It is believed that the defendant put on a mask and committed the crime to cover up his identity.

　　The judge pointed out that the circumstances of this case are serious and the severity is moderate, and deterrent penalties must be imposed. Personal factors such as youth and lack of a criminal record do not account for a high proportion of sentencing considerations.

　　The judge finally ruled that Lai Yunlong was imprisoned for 5 years and 3 months, Bi Huifen was imprisoned for 4 years and 3 months, and He Jiale was imprisoned for 5 years and 6 months.

Among them, Bi Huifen is serving his sentence in another riot case, and the three years of the second sentence will be executed in installments with the case.

The other defendant, Huang Yihao, was found guilty earlier and released.

　　Senior Inspector Zhang Wenhan of the Commercial Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police said when he met reporters later that the police welcomed the ruling and believed that the sentence reflects the seriousness of the case.

The police reiterated that they respect the citizens’ freedom of speech and assembly, but must take legal peace as the main premise, and emphasize that the police will pursue all violations to the end.

As for the defendant Wong Yat-ho, who was found acquitted, the police indicated that they would study the verdict with the Department of Justice before considering whether to appeal.

It does not rule out that there will be new evidence to prosecute other persons involved in the airport riots in the future.

(Finish)