The first trial of 47 pro-democracy lawmakers accused of violating the Hong Kong National Security Act, which cracks down on anti-government movements in Hong Kong, was held for an unusual four days, and the court released bail on 15 people. However, the prosecution immediately filed a complaint, and all of them were detained.
The trial against 47 ward council members and former members of the legislative council, who were charged with violating the Hong Kong National Security Law for aiming to overthrow the national government, continued intermittently from the 1st of this month and withdrew the application. Forty-six people, excluding one, sought bail.
On the night of the 4th, the court decided to grant bail to 15 people, but the prosecution filed a complaint on the spot, and all 47 people were detained.
For 15 people, the High Court will hear again within 48 hours to grant bail again.
A large number of citizens gathered around the court to cheer on the defendants for four days, but the slogan of tears of disappointment and criticism of the government when it was reported that all of them would continue to be detained. There were also scenes where the police issued a crackdown warning, as people were seen screaming.
Regarding Hong Kong, the system to eliminate pro-democracy in the election will be changed at the National People's Congress, which will start on the 5th in Beijing, ahead of the legislative council election scheduled to be held in September. It is a prospect.
Representative of a democracy group "I don't want to give up democracy"
Chen, a democratic group that has called for large-scale protests over this trial, said, "The last few days of trials are not only for defendants, their families and friends, but also for those who wish for freedom and democracy in Hong Kong. It's something that afflicts us. "
He added, "When the defendants left the courtroom, they were screaming,'Let's do our best for Hong Kongers.' I never want to give up democracy."
"This trial is completely wrong and completely ridiculous from the beginning. It's a pursuit and crackdown on political prisoners. At least 15 people have been granted bail," said Wu Wenyuan, executive director of another organization. However, the prosecution's complaint robbed him of that hope. "
* "Kou" = "white" and "notice".