Prosecutors accuse Hong Kong activist Edward Leung of inciting crowd on first day of Mong Kok riot trial
Court expects trial to last for at least 60 days, with almost 100 witnesses called to give evidence
Hong Kong prosecutors began to set out their allegations in a high-profile riot trial on Wednesday, recounting a night of violent unrest incited by two pro-independence activists, telling a crowd to “protect” the city.
Confronted by police officers attempting to disperse the crowd, Leung said those in the crowd were not Hongkongers if they were willing to accept being kicked away by officers from “public security” and the “urban management force”, two mainland security departments. “If you are a Hongkonger, let’s protect our city and our culture,” Leung said, as captured in a video played in court.
Edward Leung quits localist group Hong Kong Indigenous ahead of riot trial
“Ready? Three, two, one, go!” Wong yelled later, in footage shown to a panel of nine jurors. The crowd, some also wielding long sticks, began charging towards police officers who resorted to using shields and pepper spray.
Despite repeated warnings from police, Kwok said, the two, clad in a blue tops and black surgical masks, did not stop broadcasting themselves to the crowd. “It was unfortunate that there was no cooperation,” said the prosecutor.
Leung has denied one count of inciting others to riot with Wong, although Wong is not a defendant in this case.
Leung, who has been remanded in custody since he admitted to one count of assaulting a police officer last month over the same incident, also pleaded not guilty to two further counts of rioting. Both Leung and Wong claimed they were part of Hong Kong Indigenous, a pro-independence group, according to court videos.