Revised charge for Hong Kong activist who claimed he was kidnapped by mainland agents
Howard Lam Tsz-kin, 42, posted a notice he received from police on social media, showing his initial charge of misleading police has now been changed to making a false report of a crime
The charge against a Hong Kong democracy activist who claimed he was kidnapped and tortured by mainland Chinese agents has been changed to one of making a false report of a crime, four months after he was brought to court under the initial charge of misleading the police.
Democratic Party member Howard Lam Tsz-kin, 42, posted a photo of a document on a social media platform on Tuesday afternoon, saying that he received a notice earlier that day from police about the change.
The document, titled “Amendment of Charge”, stated that Lam knowingly made a false report of crime to police officer Wong Kai-pui in a ward at Queen Mary Hospital on August 11. Lam claimed in his report to Wong that he was abducted on the afternoon of August 10 in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon.
Police said Lam had violated item 64(a) of the Police Force Ordinance.
Hong Kong democracy activist charged with misleading police over kidnap claim
Lam was originally charged under item 64(b) of the ordinance – misleading the police – on August 16. Upon conviction, both offences could lead to a fine of HK$1,000 and imprisonment of six months.
The ordinance also stipulates that any amended charge shall be read and explained to the defaulter.