Hong Kong: Pro-democracy radio host arrested on allegations of sedition
On February 7, the Hong Kong Police Force arrested Wan Yiu-sing, an online radio host for channel D100, on suspicion of sedition. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the arrest and calls on the authorities to immediately drop any imminent charges against Wan.
Wan Yiu-sing, an online radio host for channel D100. Credit: YouTube
The Hong Kong authorities made the arrest on February 7 and the case against the radio host, known as “Giggs”, was listed for mention at West Kowloon Magistracy on February 8. However, Wan had been admitted to the hospital on health concerns, and his case was adjourned to February 11.
In response to IFJ’s inquiry regarding Wan’s case, the Hong Kong Police said: “The 52-year-old man was charged with four counts of seditious intent.”
The case against Wan was reportedly built on comments he made during his shows between August and October 2020. The authorities accused the host of attempting to incite hatred or contempt towards the Hong Kong government as well as the People’s Republic of China while instigating unlawful behaviours or disobedience by Hong Kong residents.
This is not the first time the radio host has been targeted by the Hong Kong authorities. Wan was first arrested on November 21, along with his wife and his female assistant, at a residence in North Point for allegedly providing financial support to separatist activities and money laundering.
The charges were based on Wan’s fundraising program, which aimed at funding young protesters who wanted to leave Hong Kong and study in Taiwan. Through the radio program, A thousand of fathers and mothers: Taiwan education aid programme, Wan encouraged his audience to make donations to the subscription platform Patreon beginning in February 2020.
The authorities later released the trio on bail without charge.
The IFJ said: “The Hong Kong authorities have increasingly levelled charges against pro-democracy figures on national security grounds and carried out assaults against the freedom of the press and speech. The IFJ condemns the arrest and calls on the authorities to immediately drop any imminent charges against Wan.”
