A 31-year-old Dutch man charged with one count of arson in relation to protests earlier this year has been sentenced to four months in jail.
Edgar Willem Aart De Bruin reportedly helped set fire to a rubbish bin during a demonstration in Mong Kok in late February, when groups gathered to mark six months since the August 31 Prince Edward attack.
That night, black-clad protesters threw petrol bombs and set road barricades, marking a particularly violent night following weeks of quiet after the first COVID-19 cases were recorded in the city in January.
According to South China Morning Post, De Bruin was holding a tourist visa in Hong Kong at the time of the arrest. He was reportedly looking for work as a kindergarten teacher.
He earlier pleaded guilty and said he fueled the rubbish bin fire because he “did not agree with the Chinese government,” Stand News reported.
De Bruin was charged alongside Tang Chun-keung, 42, a merchandising manager who also pleaded guilty to the arson charge. Both were detained for three and a half months, and given a fine of HK$350 (US$45).
Magistrate Leung Ka-kie said arson is undoubtedly a serious crime that should be met with a sentence that would deter others from committing such acts.
In the defense’s plea for mercy, the court heard that De Bruin did not clearly consider the consequences of his actions and that he was also under the influence of alcohol. A police officer who is a friend of De Bruin wrote a letter stating that he is a man of good character.
