A Hong Kong court has adjourned the case of two men accused of conspiring to commit terrorist acts to October 5, as legal proceedings continue to transfer the matter to a higher court. Ho Chi-hang and Ng Tsz-kit, both in their 30s, have remained in custody since their initial arrests in December 2023. The proceedings are being overseen by a designated national security judge at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts, reflecting the ongoing application of the national security law in the region.
The two men face serious charges under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law, which was enacted in 2020. According to court filings, the prosecution alleges that between April 2022 and December 2023, the defendants conspired to commit terrorist activities with the intent to coerce the central or local government and intimidate the public to advance a political agenda. The case also includes charges of conspiracy to cause explosions and the possession of explosive substances.
West Kowloon Law Courts Building. File photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
The Legal Path to the High Court
During a hearing in March, the prosecution moved to transfer the case from the magistrates’ court to the High Court. Under the current legal framework, the High Court possesses the jurisdiction to impose significantly harsher penalties, including sentences of up to life imprisonment for convictions related to national security offenses. The adjournment to October 5 marks a procedural step in this transfer process, as the court ensures all evidentiary requirements are met before the trial moves to the higher venue.
The defendants have been detained since their arrests in December 2023. At that time, local law enforcement reported the seizure of approximately 30 kilograms of various chemicals, along with laboratory equipment, distillation apparatus, scales, and electronic devices including mobile phones and laptops. According to police, investigators also recovered notes detailing the manufacturing of explosives from residences in Ap Lei Chau and Chai Wan.
The Hong Kong Police Force emblem outside the police headquarters in Wan Chai. File photo: Candice Chau/HKFP.
Allegations and Evidence
The initial investigation into the pair was prompted by the discovery of suspected explosives. Following the arrests, police stated that the suspects were believed to hold anti-government sentiments, citing the recovery of political pamphlets and evidence of their participation in online groups focused on anti-government discourse. These materials were presented as part of the state’s argument regarding the intent behind the alleged conspiracy.
The prosecution’s case rests on the assertion that the possession of these materials, combined with the chemicals and laboratory equipment, indicated a coordinated plan to carry out acts of terror. The legal proceedings are being conducted under the supervision of designated national security judge Victor So, who is responsible for managing the procedural timeline as the case advances toward trial.
What Happens Next
The case is scheduled to resume on October 5, where the court is expected to further address the transfer of the case to the High Court. As this matter involves charges under the national security legislation, the proceedings are subject to specific procedural rules that distinguish them from standard criminal trials in Hong Kong. The defendants remain in custody pending the next hearing.
For those following developments in the Hong Kong legal system, updates regarding court dockets and official notices can be monitored through the Hong Kong Judiciary’s daily cause list. Public access to these proceedings remains restricted by the nature of the charges, and further information will likely be released as the case progresses to the High Court.
We welcome reader engagement on this topic. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below regarding the evolving legal landscape in Hong Kong.