Full Breakdown
Hong Kong Police Arrest Nine for Alleged Military-Style Training
12/13/2025, 1:50:49 AM
Arrests Under National Security Law
On December 12, 2025, Hong Kong national security police arrested nine men aged 20 to 25 for allegedly participating in unlawful military-style drills, marking the first application of the "illegal drilling" provision under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, also known as Article 23. The arrests occurred following a police raid on a factory space in San Po Kong, where officers seized multiple items, including five air rifles, two air pistols, replicas of military knives, and suspected explosive devices. Chief Superintendent Steve Li of the National Security Department stated that the police had received a tip-off regarding the group's activities earlier in the year.
Context of the Arrests
The suspects were reportedly engaged in training that included firearm handling, combat drills, and telecommunications, which authorities believe aimed to prepare individuals for anti-government actions. The police noted that some of the arrested individuals had been seen near the site of a deadly fire in Tai Po, where at least 160 lives were lost, wearing clothing reminiscent of the 2019 pro-democracy protests. This connection raised concerns about a resurgence of anti-government sentiment in Hong Kong.
Legal Implications
Under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, organizing unlawful drills can result in a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, while participating in such activities carries a potential three-year sentence. If foreign elements are involved, these penalties can increase significantly. The law, enacted in March 2024 after being shelved for years, has faced criticism from human rights organizations and international bodies for its broad and vague definitions, which some argue threaten civil liberties.
Official Statements & Responses
Steve Li expressed concerns about the implications of the arrests, stating, “Since that fire, we have seen worrying signs, such as people using 2019-style protest gear... This suggests the ‘seeds of unrest’ are present.” He indicated that police intelligence suggested one suspect had expressed intentions to use military skills against police officers if protests akin to those in 2019 were to reoccur. The police are continuing their investigation to determine the group's objectives and whether additional arrests are warranted.
Criticism & Opposition
The enforcement of the "illegal drilling" provision has drawn criticism from various rights organizations and Western governments, which argue that the law is overly broad and suppresses legitimate forms of protest and assembly. Critics contend that the law's vague language could lead to arbitrary enforcement and violations of fundamental rights.
What's Next
Authorities are expected to continue their investigations into the activities of the arrested individuals and assess the potential threat to public safety posed by similar groups. Further arrests may occur as the police delve deeper into the network surrounding these unlawful drills.
