Hong Kong justice department may intervene in private prosecution launched by lawmaker accusing rival of assault

People Power chairman Raymond Chan has launched criminal proceedings against pro-Beijing lawmaker Kwok Wai-keung stemming from May 8 meeting

Department is looking into the case, and magistrate gives Kwok until after legislative elections to enter plea

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People Power chairman Raymond Chan received court approval last month to proceed with his criminal complaint. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 7:11pm, 27 Jul 2020Updated: 7:11pm, 27 Jul 2020

The Hong Kong Department of Justice is considering whether to intervene in a rare private prosecution against pro-Beijing lawmaker Kwok Wai-keung, who is charged with attacking a political rival during a chaotic meeting in the legislature more than two months ago.

Under the city’s Magistrates Ordinance, a resident can initiate criminal proceedings against another, although ultimate authority over the case rests with the minister of justice.

Kwok Wai-keung, 42, of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, appeared in West Kowloon Court on Monday to answer the criminal complaint lodged by People Power chairman Raymond Chan Chi-chuen, 48. Chan accused Kwok of attacking him during a House Committee meeting on May 8.

Raymond Chan (left) outside West Kowloon Court on Monday. Photo: Felix Wong

Principal Magistrate Peter Law Tak-chuen agreed to delay Kwok’s plea to the single count of common assault until after the Legislative Council elections scheduled for September 6. His lawyer Osmond Lam Kwok-fai expressed concerns the proceeding would turn into a political stunt given the city’s deeply polarised political landscape. Lam said the adjournment would give Kwok time to weigh his legal options and for the Department of Justice to consider taking over the case.

Counsel for the plaintiff Joe Chan Wai-yin confirmed the department had requested documents related to the proceedings.

Justice minister Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah warned last month prosecutors would intervene and end privately launched criminal cases motivated by “improper” intent or political interests.