Reply to post: @ Phil Re: "we need clarity on what the laws will involve before we can decide anything"

Beijing's tightening grip on Hong Kong could put region's future as an up-and-coming tech hub in jeopardy

Anonymous Coward
Boffin

@ Phil Re: "we need clarity on what the laws will involve before we can decide anything"

You realise, do you not, that treason in the UK could be punished with life imprisonment.

In the USA - death sentence. Welcome to the Free World!

Son, perhaps you should learn more about US law and the history of sentencing which also sets precedence.

While the death penalty is still on the books, its not frequently used, let alone not for the infrequent 'treason' cases where it has never been applied post cold war, or in the past 50 years.

If you want a good example. Manning. Manning [he] committed his criminal act while as a soldier in theater. In Manning's own words [he] expected that when caught [he] would be shot. [* He because Manning identified as a male at this time.]

Manning was given a long prison sentence which was commuted by Obama. No death penalty.

Assange who fears being extradited to the US in part due to allegations raised during Manning's Article 32 hearing, cites the possible Death Penalty in his effort to fight extradition. If the allegations are true and he did face a trial in the US, because the Death Penalty was not given to Manning, its off the table for Assange. (Assange would be viewed as a co-conspirator. )

So while its on the books, it doesn't mean if charged with treason, you're automatically facing a capital sentence. (Which is what you're implying.)

There some irony in your post, but I think most here would not understand it.

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