An activist who ripped an epaulette off a policeman's uniform during a protest against the high-speed railway link to Guangzhou in January was found guilty yesterday of criminal damage.
Radio host Yang Kuang, 43, was convicted of one count of criminal damage at Eastern Court. He had pleaded not guilty and was convicted after a trial. The incident occurred on January 15 outside the Legislative Council building during a protest against the high-speed rail line.
Magistrate Gary Lam Kar-yan said he found the police officers who had testified at trial to be honest and reliable witnesses.
'Freedom of expression is important, but police should also be protected,' the magistrate said.
The court earlier heard that, at the junction of Jackson Road and Chater Road, Yang had clashed with policeman Sze Yu-leong while Legco was discussing funding for the high-speed rail line.
Sze said he was part of a human chain, formed by 40 officers holding hands, to prevent the protesters from rushing towards the Legco building.