Hong Kong police arrested two local men Thursday in Mong Kok after they allegedly vandalized three Legislative Council election promotional posters earlier this week, authorities confirmed. The arrests followed an intensive review of surveillance footage that identified the suspects responsible for damaging the materials displayed on afootbridge in the bustling Tong Mi Road area. The two men, identified only by their surnames, currently face charges of criminal damage as investigators work to determine the motive behind the political interference.
The incident was first reported Tuesday evening when officers discovered three election posters, legally mounted on the Tong Mi Road pedestrian bridge, had been visibly damaged—either torn or crumpled. The case was immediately escalated to the Mong Kok District Crime Investigation Team Ten.
Chief Inspector Ip Ho-lam of the Mong Kok Precinct Criminal Investigation Division detailed the operation, noting that investigators meticulously reviewed substantial amounts of closed-circuit television recordings near the site. This effort successfully narrowed down the suspects to two individuals.
Details of the Arrests
The subsequent arrests took place midday Wednesday in the Tong Mi Road vicinity. The arrested individuals are a 29-year-old man surnamed Wu and a 34-year-old man surnamed Lee. Both men are reportedly friends and declared their occupation as chefs. They are being held for further questioning under suspicion of acting together to deface the three campaign advertisements.
While police successfully apprehended the alleged perpetrators, Inspector Ip stressed that the underlying motivation for the vandalism remains part of the ongoing inquiry. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the actions were politically motivated, a random act, or related to a personal grievance.
Legal Ramifications and Police Stance
Police underscored the seriousness of the offense, citing Hong Kong’s strict laws governing property damage. Under Chapter 200 of the Laws of Hong Kong, the Crimes Ordinance, any person who destroys or damages property belonging to another without lawful excuse commits a serious offense. Conviction for criminal damage carries a maximum penalty often years imprisonment.
The police force affirmed a zero-tolerance policy toward any actions intended to interfere with, disrupt, or undermine the integrity of the Legislative Council elections.
“The police will investigate fully and take an uncompromising stance against any attempt to disturb the electoral process,” a police spokesperson stated, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining law and order during politically sensitive periods.
The defacement of election materials, even if seemingly minor, is considered a significant act of political interference, reinforcing the ongoing scrutiny over the conduct of elections in the territory. As the investigation continues, authorities are exploring all potential links and affiliations of the suspects to ascertain the full context of the vandalism. These arrests serve as a stark reminder of the severe penalties associated with acts of disorder during an electoral cycle.
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