The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force took enforcement actions in Eastern District today (November 18) and arrested a 68-year-old man for being suspected of "knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention", in contravention of Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and “engaging in illegal conduct to incite another person not to vote, or to cast invalid vote, by activity in public during election period” in contravention of Section 27(A) of the Cap. 554 Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance (ECICO).

     Investigation revealed that the arrested person was suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intentions on online social platforms, with content provoking hatred towards the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies, and to incite others not to vote or to cast invalid vote in an election.

     Police conducted searches at the residence of the arrested person with court warrant, and seized some electronic communication devices that had been used to disseminate messages with seditious intention. The arrested person is being detained for further enquiries.

     Police condemn the acts of the person concerned and reiterate that publishing texts with seditious intention and calling upon others not to vote or to cast invalid votes in an election are serious offences. For the offence of "knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention", offenders shall be liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment. According to the ECICO, any person who publicly incites another person not to vote or to cast invalid votes during an election is liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$200,000. Members of the public are urged not to defy the law.

Ends/Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Issued at HKT 21:16

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