Two Hong Kong men charged with conspiracy to commit terrorist acts under a national security law imposed by Beijing have had their case postponed until October as proceedings continue to transfer the case to a higher court.
Ho Chi-hang and Ng Tsz-kit, who have been detained since their arrests in December 2023, appeared in the West Kowloon Magistrate’s Courts on Thursday morning.
The pair – both in their 30s – were arrested in December 2023 over an alleged bomb plot after police found suspected explosives in their possession. At the time, police said they were suspected of holding an anti-government stance as they had politically-related pamphlets at home and had also joined anti-government groups on social media.
Ho and Ng were subsequently charged with conspiracy to commit terrorist activities, an offense under the Beijing-imposed national security law, as well as conspiracy to cause explosions and possession of explosive substances.
According to the prosecution, they conspired between April 2022 and December 2023 to coerce the Beijing or Hong Kong governments, as well as intimidate the public, to pursue a political agenda.
The prosecution said during one HEARING in March the case was to be transferred from the magistrates’ court to the High Court, where judges can hand down sentences of up to life in prison.
National security judge Victor So adjourned the case to October 5.
Ho and Ng were initially arrested on suspicion of making and possessing explosives after police discovered various weapons and chemicals in their possession.
Officers confiscated about 30 kilograms of various types of chemicals, scales, distillation equipment, laboratory apparatus, mobile phones, laptops and explosives-making notes from their homes in Ap Lei Chau and Chai Wan.
