Former Hong Kong leader gets 20 months for corruption
What's the story
Donald Tsang, who served as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong from 2005 to 2012 has been sentenced to 20 months in prison over allegations of corruption. The judge reduced 10 months from Tsang's original 30 months sentence, after taking into account his reputation and long public service in Hong Kong. Tsang is the senior-most official in the territory to stand trial for corruption.
Introduction
Hong Kong: Overview
Hong Kong is a sovereign territory that is officially a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. It was handed over from British control in 1997. Under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, Hong Kong would continue to maintain a capitalist economic system and guarantee the rights and freedoms of citizens for 50 years after being handed over to China.
Information
One country, two systems
Hong Kong is governed under the principle of "one country, two systems." China has agreed to give the region a high degree of autonomy, preserving its social and economic systems. However, defence, foreign policy and some parts of governance are heavily influenced by Beijing.
Background
Who is Donald Tsang?
Donald Tsang was the first ethnic Chinese to hold the position of Financial Secretary of Hong Kong in 1995 under British administration. Tsang served as the second Chief Executive of Hong Kong, from 2005 to 2012. During the end of his tenure, between 2010 and 2012, media houses exposed what they said was massive corruption and influence peddling from his office.
Corruption?
Tsang hauled up for corruption
In 2012, a hearing began over allegations of Tsang's corruption and acceptance of favours while he was in office. The case related to Tsang leasing out a luxury flat in China from a broadcast company whose licenses he approved in Hong Kong. He allegedly got the house renovated for free, and then nominated the interior designer for an award.
Quote
Tsang pleads not guilty, says conscience is clear
Tsang pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. When proceedings began 4 years ago, he had stated that "I have every confidence that the court will exonerate me after its proceedings."