Howard Lam lied about being kidnapped and tortured with a stapler by mainland Chinese agents, Hong Kong court rules
- The 42-year-old founding member of the Democratic Party claimed he was abducted on August 10, 2017
Democracy activist Howard Lam Tsz-kin made up a report about being kidnapped, drugged and tortured by mainland Chinese agents who punched staples into his thighs, a Hong Kong court ruled before jailing him for five months on Friday.
Acting chief magistrate So Wai-tak said immediate imprisonment was the only sentencing option given Lam, 42, had shown no remorse for making up lies that would cause the Hong Kong and global community to believe mainland Chinese agents had abducted and tortured a member of a different political view, which would obviously cause concern, upset people and raise fears. He also slammed the activist for using a lot of police resources.
But the Democratic Party founding member maintained his innocence and stuck to his story that made international headlines when he dropped the political bombshell claiming he was abducted on August 10, 2017.
“I’m really disappointed that we don’t have a fair judgment and any justice in Hong Kong,” Lam said after he was released on bail pending appeal. “I’m not a liar. I’m not a liar. I tell the truth.”
His mother added in tears: “My son has never told a lie.”
