Hong Kong activist jailed for sedition in first post-colonial case
NBCJUL 2022
Hong Kong Activist Jailed for 40 Months After Sedition Trial
Image copyright: SCMP/Getty Images [via NBC News]
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
China wants to repress civil and political liberties in the territory, and Tam's sentencing indicates the deterioration of Hong Kong's constitutional rights. The national security law and the sedition law are being used to tighten control over individuals' speech directly or through self censorship, leaving no room for dissent.
Pro-China narrative
Tam attempted to undermine Hong Kong's government authority by using his fame to promote sedition among students. The 40-month sentence aims at preventing him from threatening China's national security and stability.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 50% chance that Hong Kong will stop being a Special Administrative Region of China by 2046, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
