The National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force conducted an enforcement operation yesterday afternoon (January 18) and arrested a 35-year-old man in Sha Tin, for being suspected of "doing an act or acts with seditious intention", contravening Sections 9 and 10 of the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200).

     Investigation revealed that the arrested man was suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on social platforms, with content provoking hatred towards the Central Authorities and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Police conducted searches at the arrested man's residence with a court warrant. Some electronic communication devices used to publish seditious messages were seized.

     NSD laid a holding charge against the arrested person this morning (January 19) with one count of "doing an act or acts with seditious intention". The case will be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon.

     Police remind members of the public that "doing an act or acts with seditious intention" is a serious crime. Offenders shall be liable to imprisonment for two years on first conviction. Members of the public are urged not to defy the law.