Pang Yuen-mun, a pastor who operates the YouTube channel “Priest With You,” was convicted of two counts of incitement for clapping, during the hearing of Tonyee Chow Hang-tung’s trial, for inciting others to participate in an illegal June 4th assembly.
Pang was sentenced to one year in prison for clapping and disturbing the court.
Although the 59 years old pastor denied the crimes of publishing inciting materials and acting with intent to provoke others, National Security Law designated judge Cheng Lim-chi found him guilty due to his clapping.
According to Christian Times, Magistrate Cheng Lim-chi pointed out that while giving his verdict, it was unnecessary to “prove the defendant intended to incite”, as long as there was proof that the defendant had published “related” words or acts, and had an understanding of those words or actions containing intentions of inciting others.
Although he was initially charged with criminal contempt of court, Pang was ultimately investigated by the National Security Bureau and charged with incitement. The public had questioned whether the arrangement was reasonable.
The court responded that the Hong Kong Police Force and the Department of Justice determine who would conduct case investigations, and the court would not intervene.
Pastor Pang was convicted of incitement for clapping and shouting out disrespectful words to a judge in court, such as “Where is your conscience, sir?”, “Do you have any conscience?”
According to the designated judge, Cheng, Pang publicly criticized Chan Wai-man, magistrate judge, at the time, for having lost his conscience, bending the law, and being unfair. Cheng believed using his writing, and spoken words and Pang must have caused hatred and contempt against Hong Kong’s justice, hence an intention to incite.
Cheng determined that Pang’s YouTube videos arbitrarily attacked judicial personnel, which “severely impact the rule of law and degrade credibility.” The judge also uttered that Pang’s videos trampled on judicial dignity. Therefore, Pang must be sentenced to deterrent punishment.
At a court where the Former Hong Kong Alliance Vice President Chow Hang-tung was being tried.
Pang recently shared a video on his YouTube channel to announce his release from jail. Pang called on Hongkongers to continue to protect their conscience and justice.
Pastor Peng read a handwritten poem called “Farewell” in another YouTube video, describing his departure from prison. “He took off his brown clothes; he carried a large, transparent plastic bag and walked forward with courage. He could breathe the air of freedom once again.”
“I am so grateful. I am finally out of prison today!” With his palm up, the pastor said Hongkongers he knew could go through any thorns and horns.
“Persistence brings victory. this time, victory is ours.” Pastor Pang affirmed.
Before the video ended, Pang thanked everyone for their care and said God would also bless them.
Pastor Pang did not appoint a legal representative to defend him in his trial. Pang defended himself and all of his statements.
Pang did not plead when convicted; he said he would respect the court’s decision.
However, the pastor quoted the Bible in his closing statement and said he was the one who won, as he had kept defending his conscience, the rule of law, and human rights.
Pastor Pang affirmed, “La Historia me Absolverá.” ##
