Hong Kong: students arrested for "apologizing for terrorism"

Four student leaders from a major university in Hong Kong were arrested Wednesday on charges of "condoning terrorism," police said.

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A controversial statement issued in July by a student union after a police officer was stabbed by a man acting alone is behind the arrests, said Steve Li, of the new police enforcement unit. of the National Security Act.

"

Four men between the ages of 18 and 20 were arrested today, they are members of the student union and the student union council

," he told reporters.

Police officer attacked with knife in July

On July 1, a 50-year-old attacked a policeman with a knife before turning the gun on him and killing himself.

The authorities considered this act to be “

internal terrorism

”.

To read also: Hong Kong: the largest union is self-dissolved because of the "strong pressure" from the authorities

Shortly after, the student union of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) issued a statement in which it expressed its "

deep sadness

" after the death of the assailant and its gratitude for his "

sacrifice

".

This press release sparked a great deal of controversy.

The union has since retracted and apologized for the terms used.

"

He sublimated, rationalized and glorified terrorism and an attack as well as encouraged suicidal acts

," said Steve Li.

In July, police raided union offices, the university's television station and a student office.

HKU management also banned campus access to all union board members.

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Apologia for terrorism is punishable by ten years in prison and falls under the Hong Kong National Security Law, imposed last year by Beijing in response to the massive pro-democracy movement of 2019.

A very strict law

This draconian law aims to punish subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

Charges for terrorism have so far been rarer.

Last year, more than 30 unions and political parties were dissolved following investigations by the authorities.

On Wednesday, the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund became the latest among organizations supporting pro-democracy protesters to announce its disbandment.

Pro-Beijing media called him a "

fundraising platform for thugs

" and called for his demise.