Hong Kong police arrest another man over Yuen Long MTR mob attack

Police have arrested another man in connection with the mob attack at Yuen Long MTR station in July 2019, the 63rd person to be detained over one of the most notorious incidents during months of anti-government protests that year.

The 35-year-old, surnamed Ng, was taken into custody on Monday on suspicion of taking part in a riot and conspiracy to wound with intent, after being arrested in Yuen Long.

yuen long july 21 china extradition — The mob attack occurred on July 21, 2019 in the Yuen Long MTR station. Photo: Screenshot.

On July 21, 2019, more than 100 white-clad, rod-wielding men suspected of triad links stormed the station and left 45 people injured – including commuters, a pregnant woman, journalists, protesters returning home and former pro-democracy lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting.

Police were criticised for responding slowly to the incident, with some officers seen leaving the scene or interacting with the white-clad men, leading to allegations of collusion. The official account of the incident evolved over the course of a year, with the authorities eventually claiming it was a “gang fight.”

Of the 63 individuals arrested so far, 48 were “white-clad” attackers, HK01 reported. Eight of the “white-clad” individuals have subsequently been charged with taking part in a riot and conspiring with intent to wound.

Seven other people – including Lam who were targeted by the gang – have also been charged with taking part in a riot.

Lam was arrested separately by Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption on December 28, for allegedly disclosing the personal information of individuals being investigated by police over the attacks.

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