Hong Kong protests: three opposition figures charged over unauthorised rally say they will not admit to allegations
- Leung Kwok-hung, Tsang Kin-shing, and Figo Chan were among eight persons who faced 17 charges that stemmed from a procession on July 1
- They said they would not plead guilty when asked whether they understood the allegations on the first day of their court hearing on Thursday
Three Hong Kong opposition figures charged over an unauthorised rally a day after the enactment of the national security law have indicated they will not admit to the allegations.
The trio was among eight defendants, all from the opposition camp, who faced a total of 17 charges stemming from the July 1 procession on Hong Kong Island, the first large-scale protest after the Beijing-imposed legislation took effect.
Those accused are: former legislators Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, 43, Wu Chi-wai, 58, and “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung, 64; Eastern district councillors Tsang Kin-shing, 64, Andy Chui Chi-kin, 53, and Lancelot Chan Wing-tai, 56; protest organiser Figo Chan Ho-wun, 26; and activist Tang Sai-lai, 58. They were arrested in the early morning of December 8.
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Although they were not required to enter a plea when their case was first heard at West Kowloon Court on Thursday, three of them – Leung, Tsang and Figo Chan – stated they would not plead guilty when a court clerk asked whether they understood the allegations.
“Peaceful protests constitute no crime,” Chan said. He also chanted “five demands, not one less” – a popular slogan among protesters during last year’s anti-government unrest – and called for the release of all political prisoners.
“I understand the charges, but I did not commit any crime,” Tsang said.
“No crime for peaceful assemblies. Shame on politically driven prosecutions,” Leung said.
