Cardinal Joseph Zen has been convicted for his support of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The 90-year-old bishop emeritus was treasurer of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which was set up to help resistance protesters.
The cardinal has been found guilty of failing to timely register, according to the court, a relief fund set up to pay fines and bail for people arrested in the 2019 protests. As a result, he will have to pay a fine of around $500.
Cardinal Zen is known for his fierce advocacy of change in China.
CARDINAL JOSEPH ZEN
Bishop Emeritus, Hong Kong
As all believers, we must be optimistic. But it doesn't mean that we can hope in immediate success because every relation depends on two parts. And now if China doesn't change its policy, there's nothing we can expect.
Along with the bishop emeritus, six other activists have been convicted, including a pop singer, a lawyer and an LGBTQ activist.
RM
TR: SA/KG
