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In Hong Kong, eight prominent democracy activists were charged on Thursday for organizing and participating in an "illegal gathering".
The activists were released on bail after the indictment was read, a journalist for the AFP news agency reported.
The group was arrested in early December on the basis of the controversial Chinese security law.
Among the accused are well-known democracy activist Leung Kwok Hung and Figo Chan, the organizer of an annual demonstration in memory of the handover of the former British crown colony to China.
"Release all political prisoners," Chan shouted in the courtroom.
After reading the indictment, Hung also chanted, “Peaceful gathering is not a crime.
Shame on the political persecution, ”he shouted.
Specifically, the eight activists are accused of inciting the population to an unauthorized demonstration against the so-called security law for Hong Kong in the summer.
Among the defendants are former Hong Kong Democratic Party leader Wu Chi Wai and ex-MP Eddie Chu.
The accused had to surrender their passports before they were released on bail.
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Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Hong Kong on July 1 against the passing of the so-called security law.
More than 370 people were arrested in connection with the demonstration, including for displaying banners or flags with pro-democracy slogans.
The law passed in June allows the Chinese authorities in Hong Kong to crack down on any activity they consider to be a threat to national security.
The law massively interferes with Hong Kong's autonomy rights.
It was issued in response to the pro-democracy and sometimes violent protests of the past year.