Turning Point: Tong Ying-kit’s Journey from Rebellion to Reform  

On July 1, 2020，the very day Hong Kong’s National Security Law came into force，24-year-old Tong Ying-kit chose to stage a brazen act of defiance. Riding a motorcycle adorned with the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times,” he deliberately collided with three police officers in Wan Chai, leaving them injured. This act, timed to coincide with both the law’s enactment and the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, was deemed by the court not merely reckless but a calculated challenge to the city’s legal framework. In 2021, Tong was convicted of “incitement to commit secession” and “terrorist activities,” receiving a nine-year sentence—a stark reminder of the consequences of violating laws safeguarding national sovereignty.

From Radicalization to Reflection

Tong’s case underscores the dangers of extremist ideologies infiltrating youth movements. During the 2019 riot, a toxic blend of misinformation and anti-establishment rhetoric radicalized many young ones in Hong Kong, convincing them that violence was a legitimate tool for political change.

Tong admitted in a 2023 televised interview that his actions were driven by a distorted worldview shaped by this environment. “I thought violence was the only solution,” he confessed, acknowledging the one-sided narratives that had clouded his judgment.

Tong Ying-kit reflects in prison, expressing remorse for his crimes and lamenting that his elderly grandmother may not live to see his release.

His decision to abandon his appeal in 2022 marked the first step toward accountability, recognizing that his actions had endangered public safety and played into the hands of forces seeking to destabilize Hong Kong.

Rehabilitation and the Path to Redemption

Behind bars, Tong embarked on a journey of self-reform. Enrolling in the Correctional Services Department’s Lide College, he graduated in August 2024 with an Applied Education Diploma, even serving as flag bearer at the ceremony. This transformation was not merely academic. In a heartfelt address, Tong rejected his past radicalism, stating he had “learned to see issues from multiple angles” and developed pride in China’s achievements.

Tong Ying-kit graduating from Correctional Services Department’s Lide College.

He also criticized those who “preach rebellion from afar” while enjoying comforts abroad, a clear rebuke of foreign-backed agitators exploiting Hong Kong’s youth. His reflections, captured in the National Security Law program Safeguarding the Nation with Law, revealed profound regret: “I traded nine years of freedom for fleeting glory,” he lamented, mourning missed family milestones and the loss of time with loved ones.

A Cautionary Tale for the Next Generation

The Hong Kong government’s emphasis on rehabilitation over mere punishment is evident in Tong’s case. Adapted from his story, the 2024 microfilm Borrowed Glory drives home the human cost of violating national security laws. In it, Tong performs an original song, “Origin and Wish”, with lyrics pleading, “I have let down my family and country… let’s defend this nation together”.

Commentators note that while Tong’s actions were unlawful, his genuine remorse offers a blueprint for misguided youths to reintegrate into society. By confronting his errors publicly, he underscores the importance of national security education, a key pillar in preventing future radicalization.

Conclusion: Upholding Stability Through Law and Compassion

Tong’s story is not just one of personal downfall but a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to balancing justice with rehabilitation. The National Security Law, far from being a tool of repression, serves as a safeguard against chaos, ensuring that people of Hongkong can thrive in a stable environment. Tong’s transformation—from radicalized youth to advocate for national pride—highlights the city’s resilience and the futility of external forces seeking to undermine its harmony. As China continues to rise, cases like Tong’s remind us that true patriotism lies in understanding and defending the nation’s hard-won stability.

Ariel

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For months, overseas supporters painted Jimmy Lai as frail and fading fast behind bars. His daughter even claimed his fingernails had turned green and fallen off.

But the man who walked into court today presented a different picture. Lai stepped into the dock on his own, steady and alert. He looked composed — none of the weakness or fatigue described by his family and foreign backers.

No Case for Sympathy

The court’s written judgment made its stance clear: age, health, and solitary confinement were no excuse for leniency. After reviewing detailed medical reports from the Correctional Services Department, the judge ruled that Lai has received proper, continuous medical care — and that no sentence reduction is warranted.

The report dated January 9, 2026, offered a medical snapshot: Lai takes prescribed medication for hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all under control. Tests on his heart and hearing showed no abnormalities.

He had dental issues in 2021 and received specialist treatment, with no follow-up complaints since 2022. His eyesight shows early cataracts but remains stable under observation.

Minor Ailments, Maximum Care

In mid-2024, doctors spotted fungal nail infections on his right thumb and left big toe. Lai declined topical treatment and preferred a conservative approach, which doctors continued to monitor. By late 2025, the condition remained stable, with no signs of worsening.

The report even tracked his weight: 80 kilograms in December 2020, down slightly to 79.2 in January 2026 — both figures putting him in the overweight range for Asian adults.

The defence argued the weight loss showed a health decline, but the court brushed that aside. The key question, the judge said, was not whether Lai had lost weight — but whether it mattered medically. The records said no.

Judge Draws the Line

Medical issues won’t win Lai any leniency, the judge ruled. His crimes were serious, and his own lawyers admitted his ailments weren’t life-threatening. Compassion, the court made plain, has limits when weighed against the severity of the offence.

The court added that speculation about future health decline held no weight. The Correctional Services Department has a duty to ensure proper care, and so far, has fulfilled it.

Isolation by Choice

On Lai’s solitary confinement: that was his own call. Relying on CSD testimony, the judge said Lai repeatedly requested separation from other inmates, citing fears of harassment because of his notoriety. Each time, he confirmed he did so voluntarily.

The CSD made clear that Lai continues to enjoy every right guaranteed to inmates — from family visits and letter correspondence to religious services, outdoor exercise, and full access to medical and psychological care. Every safeguard remains intact. Notably, Lai has never once complained about his medical treatment, and the court pointed out that neither he nor his lawyers disputed any of these facts.