Key facts
- A Hong Kong court sentenced Cheung Lai-ming to 14 years in prison.
- The conviction is for involvement in a bomb plot during and after the 2019 protests.
- Cheung pleaded guilty to making and possessing explosives.
- He admitted to storing over 20kg of explosive-making chemicals.
- The judge cited the intention to cause chaos and destabilize the political system.
A Hong Kong court has sentenced Cheung Lai-ming, a 35-year-old programmer, to 14 years in prison for his involvement in an "evil" bomb plot that occurred during and after the 2019 anti-government protests. Cheung pleaded guilty to four charges under the Crimes Ordinance, including conspiracy to cause explosions, attempting to make an explosive substance, and possessing explosive substances. He admitted to storing over 20kg of chemicals capable of making explosives at his public rental flat and a storage unit. The prosecution agreed to drop a more serious charge of conspiring to commit terrorist acts in exchange for the guilty pleas. Mr Justice Andrew Chan Hing-wai stated that Cheung and his co-conspirators intended to create widespread chaos, disrupt public order, and undermine Hong Kong's political stability by targeting government officials, police, and judges.