A 19-year-old boy was convicted of insulting the national anthem

A 19-year-old male student was convicted of insulting the national anthem by facing away from the pitch during the Hong Kong vs. Iran World Cup Asian qualifier at the stadium last June and was sentenced to 180 hours of community service at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts.
Sentencing, Magistrate Lam Chi-hong stated that the severity of the conduct involved was relatively minor. There was no evidence of premeditation or collusion, and the insult was not particularly severe. Furthermore, the defendant expressed remorse for his actions, indicating a low risk of reoffending. He also promised to reconsider his actions. Therefore, Magistrate Lam Chi-hong accepted the report’s recommendation and sentenced him to 180 hours of community service. He emphasized that community service is not a lenient sentence, but rather serves as a deterrent and warning, a severe punishment, and will contribute to his rehabilitation.