Co-Defendant Testifies About Explosive Tests and Grenade Plans in 2019 Hong Kong Court Case

In a 2019 Hong Kong court case, co-defendant Peng Junhao provided vital testimony regarding explosive tests and plans for a major operation involving higher-kill fragmentation grenades. Peng revealed that he, along with defendants Wu Zhihong and Lai Zhenbang, conducted explosive tests in a backyard.

Why this matters: This case highlights the growing concern about national security threats in Hong Kong and the potential for violent protests to escalate into more serious attacks. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for the future of protests and political activism in the region.

The case is linked to an alleged bomb plot aimed at murdering police officers during a lawful rally in December 2019. Seven defendants are on trial, with six pleading not guilty to conspiring to commit bombing of prescribed objects, and one pleading not guilty to conspiring to provide or collect property to commit terrorist acts.

Peng's testimony highlighted the involvement of Wu Zhihong in planning the use of higher-kill fragmentation grenades. This revelation highlights the seriousness of the alleged plot and the potential for significant casualties.

In September 2019, a group of radical protesters, including some of the defendants, received military training in Taiwan. This training was funded by deceased Hong Kong activist Edward Lau and conducted by a veteran Taiwanese soldier. The training covered military tactics, firing weapons, and making explosives.

Lau offered each participant HK$8,000 to cover expenses in Taiwan and a return ticket, along with a month's salary if they had to quit their job for the trip. The group initially planned to use guns and explosives against police officers on October 1, 2019, but Lau called off the plan since police monitoring was suspected.

In November 2019, the group tested weapons, including handguns and an AR-15 rifle, in a suburb in Sai Kung. A prosecution witness, Eddie Pang, recounted, "Ng told us not to treat it as a holiday, he said it was a real military training."

The case unfolds against the backdrop of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL), which came into effect on June 30, 2020. Since its enactment, 297 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of acts and activities endangering national security, with some already sentenced to jail.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has indicated plans to tighten control under the NSL. The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which took effect on March 23, 2024, implements Article 23 of Hong Kong's constitution, the Basic Law, and categorizes offences into secession, subversion, terrorist activities, and collusion, each carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal ruled in December 2021 that crimes under the Crimes Ordinance, such as treason and other offences against the Crown, are offences endangering National Security. This ruling aligns with the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance, which redefines references to Her Majesty or the British Government as references to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The trial's progression will see the testimonies and evidence presented playing a critical role in determining the outcome for the defendants. Peng Junhao's revelations about the explosive tests and plans for higher-kill fragmentation grenades highlight the gravity of the charges and the potential consequences for those involved.

Key Takeaways

• 7 defendants on trial for alleged bomb plot to kill police officers in 2019 Hong Kong protests.
• Co-defendant Peng Junhao revealed explosive tests and plans for higher-kill fragmentation grenades.
• Radical protesters received military training in Taiwan, funded by deceased activist Edward Lau.
• Hong Kong's National Security Law (NSL) has led to 297 arrests and some jail sentences since 2020.
• New Safeguarding National Security Ordinance categorizes offences with maximum penalty of life imprisonment.