The ongoing court case involving the “Dragon Slaying Brigade” has revealed disturbing details. If it weren’t for their timely arrest by the Hong Kong Police Force on Dec 8, 2019, many police officers and protesters could have been injured or killed. According to the testimony of key witness Wong Chun-keung, a Dragon Slaying Brigade team member in court, the case involved plans to use AR-15 rifles and 20 kilograms of explosives at the end of 2019, with the intention of killing at least 30 police officers.

The court also heard the content of private conversations between Wong and another team member, Cheung Chun-fu, on Dec 1, 2019. Wong had predicted that the police would disperse protesters in Langham Place, a shopping mall in Mong Kok, and suggested that they attack the police officers carrying out the clearance operation. When Cheung expressed concern about harming any bystanders, Wong replied that their goal was to target as many police officers as possible. Wong’s attitude showed a complete disregard for human life.

Wong also disclosed the content of conversations with Ng Chi-hung, another leader of a militant organization, at the end of 2019. According to Wong, Ng claimed to have access to firearms, explosives and gunmen. Ng mentioned a planned attack on Dec 2, 2019, with gunmen intending to use AR-15 rifles on Hong Kong Island. Fortunately, the operation was delayed, and the group decided to launch an attack on police officers near the Emperor Group Center in Wan Chai on Dec 8. Some members, including Wong, had already checked into a nearby safe house the previous day.

The court hearing has unveiled several disturbing issues:

These criminal suspects, who were in their early 20s (Wong was 20 in 2019), had been influenced by radical ideologies to the point of plotting to use firearms and explosives to harm or kill on-duty police officers, demonstrating the dangerous influence of radical ideologies on young people.

Wong stated that after August 2019, someone claiming to be a high school teacher introduced him to financiers on the Telegram messaging app, saying they were mostly professionals, including lawyers, legislators, district councilors or journalists, who provided cash or bank transfers. Who were those financiers? Have they been apprehended and held accountable? Sponsoring terrorism is a serious offense. If any of them have fled, will their professional credentials be revoked after the conclusion of this case? The public has a right to know who they are, especially if they were or are legislators or district councilors.

The role of individuals from the Taiwan region was also highlighted, some of whom had been in contact with Wong and had provided material donations. Wong asked these people for weapons; they did not turn down the request but mentioned the difficulties of transportation. Who were these individuals from Taiwan and why were they able to provide weapons?

Wong mentioned that their members had received military training in Taiwan. How were they able to arrange this? Military training is not a casual activity; it is not easily available to ordinary people without official arrangements. Who arranged the instructors, training equipment, and facilities for them? Who covered their expenses?

On a separate occasion, former Hong Kong Baptist University Student Union president Fong Chung-yin publicly admitted that individuals from Taiwan had provided numerous supplies to Hong Kong protesters in 2019, demonstrating the deep involvement of Taiwan in the unrest.

Upon reading about the court hearing of the Dragon Slaying Brigade, one cannot help but shudder and express gratitude for the professionalism and timely prevention measures of the Hong Kong Police Force

Ng, a defendant in the current case, had access to firearms and explosives. Where did he source them? How did those weapons get into Hong Kong? This poses a serious threat to Hong Kong’s stability and security, and the public has a right to be informed through the court hearing. The police must remain vigilant to prevent any further influx of firearms or explosives into Hong Kong.

Wong mentioned the gathering at Wan Chai Baptist Church on Dec 7, 2019, before heading to the safe house. There were reports that protesters had made the lobby of the church their makeshift resting place during the 2019 protests, where they received supplies like drinking water. The leader of the Dragon Slaying Brigade mentioned that protesters often congregated at the church. This begs the question: What was the church’s role during the violent protests in 2019? The Hong Kong Baptist Church owes the public an explanation and should apologize to the Hong Kong Police Force and society. The 2019 riots were part of a “color revolution” that severely harmed Hong Kong, and the truth should not be hidden.

The events of 2019 serve as a profound lesson for Hong Kong residents, highlighting the brutal and relentless nature of geopolitical struggles. Wong and his cohorts were willing to sacrifice the lives of peaceful protesters, showcasing the extent of their extremism. Various professionals in Hong Kong, church organizations, politicians and individuals from Taiwan played roles in those events, contributing to the radical ideologies that endangered numerous lives. Upon reading about the court hearing of the Dragon Slaying Brigade, one cannot help but shudder and express gratitude for the professionalism and timely prevention measures of the Hong Kong Police Force.

The author is a former information coordinator of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.