Washington state senator arrested in Hong Kong for gun possession and granted bail

HONG KONG — A Washington state senator was arrested in Hong Kong for carrying a gun that was not registered within the semi-autonomous Chinese language metropolis, his web site and native media reported. He was launched on bail on Monday.

Jeff Wilson was arrested after touchdown on the Hong Kong Worldwide Airport on Saturday. He was touring along with his spouse for a five-week trip in Southeast Asia, his web site stated. His gun was not registered within the monetary hub however is registered in Washington, the assertion added.

Based on Hong Kong’s public broadcaster RTHK, Wilson appeared in courtroom Monday to face the cost of possession of arms with no license and was granted bail.

“It was an trustworthy mistake, and I anticipate the state of affairs to be resolved shortly,” he was quoted as saying on his web site. It stated Wilson’s subsequent listening to is due on Oct. 30.

After Monday’s listening to on the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts, Wilson needed to give up his journey paperwork, the native newspaper The Commonplace reported. It stated the subsequent listening to will happen on the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts.

Hong Kong’s Customs and Excise Division declined to remark as authorized proceedings are ongoing.

Below Hong Kong regulation, it’s unlawful to hold a firearm with no license. Offenders face a effective of as much as 100,000 Hong Kong {dollars} ($12,800) and will be sentenced to as much as 14 years if convicted. Nevertheless, usually the Magistrates’ Courts grant a most two-year sentence for {cases} they deal with, the judiciary’s web site stated.