Man sentenced to 8 weeks in prison for insulting the national anthem during a volleyball match

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to eight weeks in prison after being found guilty of insulting the Chinese national anthem during the 2023 FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship in Hong Kong.

The defendant, Chan Pak-yui, expressed his displeasure by booing the national anthem, giving a thumbs-down and singing “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from the musical Les Misérables during the match between China and Bulgaria on June 16 last year.

During the sentencing hearing at the Kowloon City Magistrates Court, the defense argued that Chan's actions were brief and observed by only a small group of people, and therefore had only a limited impact on the public.

They called for a suspended sentence, stressing that Chan had suffered from autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the past, which they believed contributed to his behavior.

Judge Kestrel Lam Tsz-hong examined the defense's motion but ultimately concluded that Chan showed no genuine remorse for his actions.

Lam stressed that Chan's motives were clear when he publicly expressed his dislike for the Chinese national team and the national anthem.

The judge also found that Chan had stopped taking his medication two days before the incident, which impaired his self-control and undermined his defense.

Although the defense argued that the atmosphere at the time was relatively calm and there was no premeditation, Lam considered Chan's conduct to be serious and justified immediate detention.

Chan was granted bail of HK$8,000 while he appeals the verdict.