A Hong Kong man has been arrested under the colonial-era sedition law after he allegedly published social media posts which “insulted” the Chinese national anthem and disclosed the personal data of police officers and their family members without consent.
A 49-year-old was apprehended by officers from the National Security Department of the police in Aberdeen on Monday on suspicion of doing an act or acts with a seditious intention, the Force said in a statement. The arrestee was also suspected of violating the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
According to the police, the man had allegedly made multiple posts on social media that “insulted” the Chinese national anthem. He also targeted police officers and their family members by making “doxxing” posts, the Force said.
Officers searched the man’s residence and office with a court warrant and seized electronic devices that were suspected of being used to publish the online posts in question. The man is currently being held in custody for investigation.
In response to HKFP’s enquiries, the Office Of The Privacy Commissioner For Personal Data said it was not involved in Monday’s arrest operation and did not have any details on the case.
Sedition is not covered by the Beijing-imposed national security law, which targets secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts and mandates up to life imprisonment. Those convicted under the sedition law, which was last amended in the 1970s when Hong Kong was still a British colony, face a less serious maximum penalty of two years in prison.
The anti-doxxing law, on the other hand, was passed in September last year to criminalise the disclosure of personal information without consent, or with an intent to cause psychological harm. Those convicted could face a fine of up to HK$1 million and five years of imprisonment.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
LATEST FROM HKFP
HKFP has an impartial stance, transparent funding, and balanced coverage guided by an Ethics Code and Corrections Policy.
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.
