Hong Kong protests: student acquitted of obstructing traffic charge as court rules police officer’s evidence contradictory
- But while she did not find him guilty, magistrate says 19-year-old Tang Cho-fung’s account of events was less than believable
- The student was arrested in Sai Wan Ho on November 13, accused of tossing a brick in the street near where a protester had been shot two days prior
Eastern Court Magistrate Peony Wong Nga-yan acquitted 19-year-old Tang Cho-fung of obstruction in a public place, an offence punishable by three months’ jail and a HK$5,000 (US$645) fine, ruling the prosecution failed to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Form Six pupil was alleged to have placed bricks and rubbish bins at the junction of Shau Kei Wan Road and Shing On Street in Sai Wan Ho on November 13, two days after a 21-year-old student was shot with a live round by police at the same location.
At trial, Tang said he had only gone to observe the protest after classes were suspended that morning, and had hoped to demonstrate his support for the wider democratic movement triggered by the now-withdrawn extradition bill by wearing an all-black outfit.
Constable Wan Wai-lok, who arrested Tang, denied targeting the student simply because of his age and attire. Wan said he had witnessed Tang, who wore a pair of safety gloves, tossing a brick onto the road, before running into him as he tried to escape.