Sun Xiaolan, the former president of the Hong Kong University Student Union, who was convicted in connection with the 2019 Legislative Council "July 1st" riot case, was released from prison on Wednesday after completing her sentence.
In 2019, Hong Kong experienced the "anti-extradition" movement. On the afternoon of July 1st that year, a large number of protesters gathered outside the Legislative Council building. Using metal carts, iron rods and other items, they struck the building's glass facade. Subsequently, hundreds of people stormed into the building and damaged the chamber.
The police later arrested 13 people and charged them with rioting. Twelve of them, including Sun Xiaolan, were found guilty. In March 2024, the court sentenced each person to between four and a half and over six years in prison. Sun Xiaolan and six others appealed against their convictions or sentences, but all ultimately failed.
On the morning of July 29, Sun Xiaolan left Lo Wu Correctional Institution. Her father and friends were present to greet her and gave her flowers. Speaking to reporters at the scene, Sun Xiaolan said, “Thank you all very much, I’m grateful to have finally come out.”