2 men arrested for allegedly calling on others to attack Hong Kong leader in online posts, source says
- Two suspects, aged 32 and 61, were arrested on suspicion of inciting others to cause grievous bodily harm
- Government source says Chief Executive Carrie Lam was the target of the calls
Police have arrested two men on suspicion of posting online messages inciting others to cause grievous bodily harm, with the intended target Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, according to a government source.
The two suspects, a 32-year-old funeral services worker and a 61-year-old retiree, were detained on Wednesday in Ma On Shan and on Lamma Island, respectively, the force said on Thursday.
Chief Inspector Tai Tsz-bun from the force’s cybersecurity and technology crime bureau revealed that the duo had left posts online encouraging others to attack a government official, but he stopped short of revealing the person’s identity.
“Their behaviour was very irresponsible. Those who were encouraged might follow their online calls and engage in illegal acts,” Tai said.
The offence of inciting others to cause grievous bodily harm is punishable by up to life in jail.
