Mystery ‘mainland tourist’ disrupts Mong Kok riot trial by taking photos, prompting judge to issue warning and assure jury
When court resumed, hawker control officers recalled how rioters teamed up with street vendors to clash with them during the incident two years ago
A high-profile riot trial involving a prominent Hong Kong pro-independence activist was temporarily disrupted on Friday, after someone claiming to be a mainland tourist took photos from the public gallery while court was in session.
Photography is prohibited in all Hong Kong court buildings and so is publication of such photos. There are signs saying so in the court rooms. Any breach will result in a fine of HK$2,000 (US$250) according to the Summary Offences Ordinance.
Prosecutors detail the unrest five accused allegedly caused during the explosive Mong Kok riot in 2016
But the man took seven or eight photos, and a short video, with his phone camera pointed in the direction of the jury. He then circulated at least one photo on popular Chinese social media app, WeChat, the High Court heard.
Leung pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a police officer during the incident, but denied two counts of rioting and one of inciting others to riot.
Four co-defendants – Lam Lun-hing, Lam Ngo-hin, Lee Nok-man and Lo Kin-man – pleaded not guilty to a range of other charges including rioting and taking part in an unlawful assembly.