The Government will thoroughly study the court judgment on the first conviction under the National Security Law before deciding on its next course of action, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said today.

Speaking at a media session after Tong Ying-kit was jailed for nine years at the High Court this afternoon following his conviction earlier this week, Mr Tang welcomed the judgment and commented on the slogans the defendant had used in the case.

“Regarding the slogan used by the defendant, it is being clearly stated by the court that it may have the meaning of independence of Hong Kong, and it may also have the meaning of asking Hong Kong to be separated from Mainland China.”

The security chief was also asked about a police investigation into the behaviour of some spectators at the Olympics live broadcast at apm mall in Kwun Tong.

“Regarding the apm incident, for any violation of the law, including the National Flag Law or the National Security Law, we will thoroughly investigate. If there is any evidence we will (make) arrests and if there is further evidence we will prosecute.”