Hong Kong localist figure Edward Leung Tin-kei has been charged with inciting rioting and an additional count of rioting. Fellow localist activist Ray Wong Toi-yeung also faces an additional charge of inciting rioting and a charge of inciting unlawful assembly. They had previously been charged with a single count of rioting after they participated in the Mong Kok unrest in February.
The unrest in Mong Kok broke out after the government attempted to clear street vendors from the area, leading to clashes between protesters and the police.
The trial took place at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday but will be referred to the High Court. Committal proceedings will begin at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on August 5.
Leung and Wong’s cases are to be merged with eight others who are charged with offences such as unlawful assembly and police assault. The eight include Yung Wai-yip, Lee Nok-man, Ken Lo Kin-man, Yuen Chi-kui, Vincent Lam Ngo-hin, Wong Ka-kui, and two others who were recently charged.
HKFP contacted Leung for comment but he could not be reached. Human rights lawyer Chong Yiu-kwong, the vice Chairman of Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor told Stand News that the transfer to High Court means that the prosecution is expecting the sentence to exceed seven years. Different courts have limitations on the length of sentences they can give.
Raymond Wong, who supported Leung in the New Territories by-elections in February this year, was also at the court listening to the case, according to HK01.
