Kong Hee on FB: I'm saddened by length of sentence
The founder of City Harvest Church, Kong Hee, posted on Facebook at about 8.20pm on Friday (Nov 20) to thank his followers and to describe his feelings about his sentence.
Earlier, he and the other five convicted church leaders were sentenced to jail terms between 21 months and eight years.
The longest sentence was handed to Kong Hee for eight years.
The post, in both English and Chinese, accompanied by an image saying "Thank you for your love", described the trial as protracted and an "extremely trying time".
He later described it as a "season of pain and turmoil" and that the days ahead will be difficult.
"The sentence has been passed, and naturally I am saddened by the length of it."
Thanking church members and friends for their support he signs off "Humbly yours".
The six church leaders will serve their sentences from Jan 11 next year.
Kong Hee said he has yet to decide if he will appeal the sentence.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now