Advertisement
Hong Kong protests: opposition activists facing range of criminal charges drop legal challenge against court switch
- Group including media tycoon Jimmy Lai had considered judicial review against decision to move trial to District Court
- New venue means 15 defendants face tougher sentences if convicted
Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Some 15 Hong Kong opposition figures charged with a variety of offences in connection with last year’s anti-government protests could face tougher punishments, after they dropped a proposed challenge against the transfer of their case to a higher court.
Prosecutors told West Kowloon Court on Wednesday that the group, charged over four unauthorised rallies between August and October, would not launch judicial review proceedings against the decision to move the trial to District Court.
Defence lawyers said at a hearing last month the allegations were not serious enough to warrant a trial in the court, where their clients could be subject to stiffer penalties if convicted.
Advertisement
While the reason for the defendants’ change of mind was not revealed in court, their lawyers were believed to have made the decision because they thought the chances of winning were slim.
Advertisement
The accused, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, as well as incumbent and former opposition lawmakers and activists, face 61 charges, which some think are an attempt to silence dissent.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x