No early release for national security convict
Authorities have reportedly decided against granting early parole to an inmate jailed for inciting secession, in line with new rules under Hong Kong’s new homegrown national security law. The Correctional Services Department said it would not comment on individual cases, but noted that the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance last week has resulted in amendments to the existing law governing the early release of prisoners. Prison rules now specify that "a prisoner must not be granted remission... unless the commissioner is satisfied that the prisoner’s being granted remission will not be contrary to the interests of national security". It is understood that Ma Chun-man stood to be released from Tong Fuk Correctional Institution on Monday for good behaviour, but will now continue serving his sentence. Ma, who was dubbed “Captain America 2.0” for dressing up as the comic book hero at anti-government protests in 2019, was originally sentenced to five years and nine months in prison, though his term was later reduced to five years on appeal.