Advertisement

Hong Kong actor Gregory Wong convicted of rioting at Legco during 2019 anti-government protests

  • Wong told by judge his defence that he visited the Legco complex occupied by protesters to deliver phone chargers to reporters was ‘untruthful’
  • Judge says Wong could use his high profile to incite protesters and encourage rioters

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Actor Gregory Wong arrives at West Kowloon Court to hear the verdict on a charge of rioting. Photo: AFP
A Hong Kong actor was on Thursday convicted of a rioting charge in connection with the storming and occupation of the Legislative Council complex at the height of the 2019 anti-government protests after a judge dismissed his defence that he only went into the building to deliver phone chargers to reporters.
Advertisement

Gregory Wong Chung-yiu, 44, was told by Deputy District Judge Li Chi-ho at West Kowloon Court that his argument did not stand up.

Li said the defendant could have handed the chargers to any reporter he met outside Legco, but Wong instead went into the building, briefly stayed inside the defaced chamber and hugged a protester.

“Wong’s statement was not reliable and was untruthful,” Li added.

“He was only making an excuse to appear inside Legco, but giving chargers to reporters was never the real purpose.”

Protesters deface the city’s emblem in the Legislative Council chamber during the 2019 anti-government protests. Photo: Sam Tsang
Protesters deface the city’s emblem in the Legislative Council chamber during the 2019 anti-government protests. Photo: Sam Tsang

The court earlier heard that Wong arrived at Legco on July 1, 2019, at about 11.40pm and stayed for less than five minutes during a protest over a controversial extradition bill, which was later withdrawn.

Advertisement