2-month suspended jail term for elderly man who reposted social media call to boycott legislative elections

“A 67-year-old man has been handed a two-month jail term, suspended for 24 months, after he pleaded guilty to resharing a social media post urging a boycott of the 2025 “patriots only” legislative elections. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). File photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. According to a press release from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Lam Kin-sik admitted on Monday to inciting another person not to vote, in violation of the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance. Whilst it is legal to cast a blank ballot or boycott an election in Hong Kong, it is unlawful to encourage another person to do so during an election period. Tong Wai-hung, who is accused of inciting a boycott of the 2025 Legislative Council elections. Photo: ICAC. Magistrate Shirley Cornelia Hung said a custodial sentence was inevitable as it was a serious offence, but it was suspended considering Lam’s guilty plea and mitigating factors such as his health condition. Lam was among three people prosecuted by the ICAC in November after they shared social media posts by two overseas activists – Alan Keung and Tong Wai-hung – who called for a boycott of what they described as a “fake election.” In the Monday statement, the anti-corruption watchdog said that the defendant shared a post published by Tong. “A warrant for Tong’s arrest, who has since left Hong Kong, was earlier issued by a Magistrate upon the ICAC’s application,” the ICAC said. See also: Hong Kong woman given suspended jail term for reposting calls to boycott legislative polls Those found guilty of inciting another person not to vote, or to cast an invalid ballot, face up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$200,000. In March 2021, Beijing passed legislation to ensure “patriots” govern Hong Kong . The move reduced democratic representation in the legislature, tightened control of elections and introduced a pro-Beijing vetting panel to select candidates. Authorities say the overhaul ensures the city’s stability and prosperity . But the changes also prompted international condemnation , as much of the traditional opposition remains behind bars , in self-exile or has quit politics. Explainer: Beijing’s electoral overhaul Explainer: New electoral rules

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