The Court of First Instance today handed down the sentence in a case concerning terrorism-related offences, commonly known as the "Dragon Slaying Brigade" case.

The ringleader of the case was sentenced to imprisonment for 23 years and 10 months, while other key persons of the case were sentenced to imprisonment for 10 years or above.

The case invloved the offences of "conspiracy to commit bombing of prescribed object" and "conspiracy to provide or collect property to commit terrorist acts" under the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Ordinance, "conspiracy to commit murder" under the Offences against the Person Ordinance, "conspiracy to cause explosions of a nature likely to endanger life or to cause serious injury to property" under the Crimes Ordinance, "possession of arms and ammunition with intent to endanger life" under the Firearms & Ammunition Ordinance, etc.

When handing down the sentence, the judge pointed out that the defendants of the case aimed at killing police officers, creating social panic, and subverting the Government. The case, which was very vicious, involved premeditated luring police officers out in order to kill them, and it would also cause damage to property.

The Government noted that the facts admitted by the defendants indicate that the case involved plans of extreme terrorist violence and gruesome attacks.

The circumstances of the case were very serious, in which real guns and explosives were involved. If Police had not cracked down on the gang in time, there would have been heavy casualties.

Anyone who commits such nefarious terrorist acts can never escape sanctions of the law, and such malicious acts will surely be duly punished.

The Department of Justice will study the reasons for sentencing in detail and consider whether a review application to the Court of Appeal regarding sentences will be filed.

Both the National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) stipulate offences related to terrorist activities and sabotage endangering national security, and other offences endangering national security, some of which carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The Government pointed out that if there are similar cases in future, it will apply the enhanced laws relating to the safeguarding of national security, including the NSL and SNSO, in law enforcement and prosecution in sanctioning criminals.