Hong Kong Democratic Party lawmakers Lam Cheuk-ting and Andrew Wan plead not guilty to obstruction charges over Legislative Council protest
- Both men deny obstructing an officer in the due execution of his duty, while Wan faces additional count of common assault, which he also denies
Two Hong Kong Democratic Party lawmakers on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to charges of obstructing and assaulting security guards during a protest inside the legislature earlier this year.
The pair, Lam Cheuk-ting, 41, and Andrew Wan Siu-kin, 49, made their first court appearance before Principal Magistrate Peter Law Tak-chuen at Eastern Court.
They were both accused of obstructing Wong Cheung, an officer of the Legislative Council, in the due execution of his duty. Wan was charged with an additional count of common assault against officer Cheng Wing-wah after the protest on June 13.
The demonstration took place during a debate on a controversial plan to allow mainland Chinese immigration officers to operate at the West Kowloon station for a new cross-border rail link.
When asked to enter their pleas on Tuesday, both men denied the allegations.
“Your Lordship, I plead not guilty,” Lam said. “I hope you will exonerate me.”
Wan added: “I did not do it. I won’t plead [guilty].”
Prosecutors have gathered nine witnesses to testify against the pair. But the Post understands they will not include any of the lawmakers present at the scene.
Lawmakers charged over cross-border rail Legco protest call move ‘ridiculous political persecution’
The case will return to the same court on January 29 for a pretrial review.
Both men were released on HK$1,000 (US$128) bail until their next court appearance.
Obstructing an officer of the Legislative Council in the due execution of duty is punishable by one year’s imprisonment and a HK$10,000 fine.
