A number of prominent pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong appeared in court on Tuesday (Feb. 16, 2021) to face trial. They are accused of organizing and participating in an unauthorized mass rally in August 2019.
The former chairmen of the Democratic Party, Martin Lee and Albert Ho, the chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (HKASPDMC), Lee Cheuk-yan, “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung and the founder of Next Media Group, Lai Chi-ying, were arraigned at the West Kowloon Magistracy in the morning.
Former legislator Au Nok-hin admitted in court to organizing and participating in the unauthorized rally, while another former legislator, Leung Yiu-chung, admitted to participating in the unauthorized rally.
The others all pleaded their innocence to the judge. Lee Cheuk-yan and Leung Kwok-hung also shouted “no to political prosecution” in the courtroom.
About 1 million people braved the rain to participate in the rally on August 18, 2019. It was part of a huge demonstration and protest against China in Hong Kong in the second half of 2019.
In response, Beijing forced the introduction of Hong Kong’s national security law last June. Since then, authorities have disqualified a number of pan-democrats from parliament and arrested many activists.
The United States and the international community have reacted strongly to the crackdown by Beijing and Hong Kong authorities, including by sanctioning officials and providing asylum to activists fleeing persecution by the authorities.
The Chinese government has insisted that the Hong Kong issue is a matter of sovereignty and that foreign interference is not permitted.
Recent Comments