The first person charged under a sweeping security law imposed on Hong Kong by China earlier this year pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for a landmark trial in the coming months.
Tong Ying-kit, 24, entered the plea on charges of incitement to secession and engaging in terrorist activities during an appearance Monday at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court. Chief Magistrate So Wai-tak kept Tong in custody and transferred his case to the High Court for trial.
The case is being closely watched for clues to how the government intends to handle the national security law, which lawyers say contains provisions to may conflict with Hong Kong’s Common Law-based legal tradition. The city’s independent courts and rule of law — preserved under a "one country, two systems” framework — are often credited for its continued success as one of the world’s leading financial capitals.