Lam Cheuk-ting Convicted of Rioting in Hong Kong

Former Hong Kong lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting, along with six others, has been convicted of rioting related to a violent incident at Yuen Long MTR station during the 2019 pro-democracy protests. District Judge Stanley Chan stated that Lam, who claimed to be mediating the conflict, acted as an instigator, exacerbating the situation instead of calming it. The mob, comprising over 100 men in white shirts, attacked passersby and journalists, leading to numerous injuries and drawing criticism of police inaction. Lam has faced significant legal repercussions since the protests, including a previous sentence of six years and nine months for national security violations. The ongoing crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong continues to elicit international condemnation, though local authorities assert that the rule of law is being upheld. Sentencing for Lam and the other defendants is scheduled for February 2024.