Shatin Black Spray and Candle Pattern: Zeng Jianfeng Pledges Guilty, Official Considers Prison Sentence

Novelist admits to Hong Kong Vandalism, Faces Potential Jail Time

September 4, 2025

Hong Kong – Zeng Jianfeng, a 50-year-old writer and former member of the Citizen party, has admitted to defacing public property in Shatin on June 4th, 2025. Zeng pleaded guilty to criminal damage before proceedings began at Shatin Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Zeng Jianfeng leaves the Shatin Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. (Photo by reporters from “Court Line”)

The Incident and Inquiry

The Defendant sprayed the numerals “6436” and candle imagery on a notice board and the roadway near the Huotan Fengshan Industrial Building. Police investigating the incident reviewed Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage, identifying Zeng as a person of interest. A subsequent search of his studio uncovered clothing and black spray paint matching those used in the vandalism.

According to court documents, the damage included three instances of the “6436” marking on the road and the spray-painted message on the notice board.The estimated cost of cleaning the damage is 68 Hong Kong Dollars.

Defense Plea and Personal Circumstances

During the court hearing, the defense counsel argued that Zeng’s actions were influenced by personal distress. He earns approximately 20,000 yuan monthly as a novelist but has been struggling with writer’s block and the declining health of his mother, who suffers from brain degeneration. The defense stated that Zeng consumed red wine on the night of the incident, which impaired his judgment, and described his behavior as “unwise.”

The defense emphasized Zeng’s previously law-abiding record and the relatively minor nature of the damage.They requested a social service order and a reconciliation report, suggesting zeng is willing to cover the cost of the cleanup.

Court’s Response and Potential Sentencing

Magistrate Mei-yi Jiang expressed concern regarding the defendant’s age and the appropriateness of a lenient sentence. The prosecution noted that the offense occurred late at night and that, without CCTV footage, Zeng may not have been identified. While acknowledging Zeng’s guilty plea and family responsibilities, the magistrate indicated that a prison sentence remains a possibility.

The case has been adjourned until September 18th to allow for the readiness of the requested reports, with Zeng released on bail.

Key Detail	Facts
Defendant	Zeng Jianfeng, 50
Charge	Criminal Damage
Location of Offense	shatin, Hong Kong
Date of Offense	June 4, 2025
Estimated Damage Cost	68 HKD

The Significance of June 4th in Hong Kong

The date June 4th holds significant past and political weight, commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent crackdown in Beijing. For decades, Hong Kong held annual vigils to remember the event, but these have been increasingly restricted in recent years under the National Security Law. Reuters reported increased scrutiny of such commemorations in 2024, highlighting evolving political dynamics.

Did You Know? The “6436” code is a reference to the date of the Tiananmen Square incident – June 4th, 1989.

Pro Tip: Understanding the historical context is crucial when interpreting news events from Hong Kong, especially those related to sensitive dates or political symbols.

Frequently asked Questions

• What is the charge against Zeng Jianfeng? zeng Jianfeng is charged with criminal damage for defacing public property.
• What was the extent of the damage caused? The damage included spray-painted markings on a notice board and the road, with an estimated cleanup cost of 68 HKD.
• What factors did the defense present in Zeng Jianfeng’s favour? The defense highlighted Zeng’s previous law-abiding behavior,his personal struggles with his mother’s health and writer’s block,and his willingness to compensate for the damage.
• What is the potential outcome of the case? While a social service order is requested, the court has not ruled out the possibility of a prison sentence.
• Why is June 4th significant to this case? The vandalism occurred on June 4th, a date commemorating the Tiananmen Square protests, suggesting a potential political motivation.
• What role did CCTV play in the investigation? CCTV footage was crucial in identifying Zeng Jianfeng as the suspect.
• what is the next step in the legal proceedings? The case is adjourned until September 18th for the preparation of reports.

do you think the court will consider the defendant’s personal circumstances when issuing it’s sentence? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How does the implementation of the National Security Law impact the legal considerations in Zeng Jianfeng’s case and similar Hong Kong protest cases?

Shatin Black Spray and candle Pattern: Zeng Jianfeng Pleads Guilty,Official Considers Prison Sentence

The Case Unfolds: A Timeline of Events

The case surrounding the “Shatin Black Spray and Candle Pattern” incident,involving Zeng Jianfeng,has reached a critical juncture with his recent guilty plea. This incident, stemming from protests in Sha Tin district, Hong Kong, in 2019, involved the alleged spraying of black paint and the purposeful arrangement of candles in a pattern perceived as threatening. The events quickly escalated, drawing meaningful public and legal scrutiny.

here’s a breakdown of key events leading to the guilty plea:

July 2019: Protests erupt in Sha Tin following opposition to the controversial extradition bill.

Alleged Incident: Zeng Jianfeng is accused of participating in the black spray painting and candle arrangement, actions authorities deemed a public order offence.

Initial Arrest & Charges: Zeng Jianfeng was arrested and initially faced multiple charges, including unlawful assembly and criminal damage.

Legal Proceedings: The case underwent lengthy pre-trial reviews and evidence gathering.

September 4, 2025: Zeng Jianfeng enters a guilty plea, acknowledging responsibility for his actions.

Details of the Guilty Plea & Potential Sentencing

Zeng Jianfeng’s decision to plead guilty substantially alters the trajectory of the case. While the specific charges he pleaded guilty to haven’t been fully disclosed,sources indicate they relate to public order offenses and perhaps criminal damage.

The prosecution is now seeking a custodial sentence, arguing the severity of the actions and the need to deter similar behavior. Factors influencing the sentencing include:

Severity of Damage: The extent of the black spray painting and any associated damage to property.

Intent & Motivation: The court will consider Zeng Jianfeng’s motivations for participating in the incident.

Impact on Public Order: The disruption caused by the incident and its potential to incite further unrest.

Previous Criminal Record: Zeng Jianfeng’s prior legal history, if any, will be taken into account.

Mitigating Circumstances: Any factors presented by the defense that might lessen the severity of the sentence.

Understanding the “Candle Pattern” Controversy

The arrangement of candles at the scene became a focal point of the inquiry. Authorities interpreted the pattern as a deliberate threat, potentially referencing funeral rites or symbolizing a desire for violence. This interpretation fueled public debate and contributed to the seriousness of the charges.

Key aspects of the controversy include:

Symbolism & Interpretation: The ambiguity of the candle pattern allowed for multiple interpretations, leading to disagreements about its intent.

public Perception: The incident was widely publicized, shaping public opinion and influencing the narrative surrounding the protests.

Forensic Evidence: Investigators analyzed the candle arrangement and surrounding evidence to determine its origin and purpose.

Expert Testimony: The prosecution may have presented expert testimony to support their interpretation of the candle pattern as a threat.

Legal Implications & Precedents in Hong Kong Protest Cases

This case is being closely watched as it sets a potential precedent for future prosecutions related to the 2019 Hong Kong protests. Several factors are at play:

National Security Law: The implementation of the National Security Law in 2020 has significantly altered the legal landscape in Hong Kong,impacting protest-related cases.

Public Order Ordinances: Existing public order ordinances are being rigorously enforced, leading to stricter penalties for protest-related offenses.

sentencing Trends: Recent sentencing trends in similar cases suggest a move towards harsher punishments for those involved in protests.

Right to Protest: The case raises questions about the balance between maintaining public order and protecting the right to peaceful protest.

The Role of Social Media & Facts Dissemination

Social media played a crucial role in both the unfolding of the events and the subsequent investigation. Images and videos of the “Shatin Black Spray and Candle Pattern” incident were widely shared online, contributing to public awareness and fueling debate.

Evidence Gathering: Law enforcement agencies utilized social media to gather evidence and identify potential suspects.

Public Discourse: Online platforms became a space for public discussion and the dissemination of information, both accurate and inaccurate.

Misinformation & Disinformation: The spread of misinformation and disinformation posed a challenge to investigators and the public alike.

Impact on Public Opinion: Social media narratives influenced public perception of the incident and