National security law: 52 former lawmakers, activists arrested in January told to report to police on Sunday – more than a month early – with some expecting charges

The group was arrested on subversion charges for their part in an opposition primary election officials called an attempt to overthrow the government

Lawyers for some of the 52, originally expected to report bail in April, said their clients were given no reason for the change in schedule

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Benny Tai, architect of the opposition camp’s primary polls, was among more than 50 people arrested in January. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Published: 2:19pm, 26 Feb 2021Updated: 10:56am, 28 Feb 2021

Hong Kong police have asked 52 former opposition lawmakers and activists arrested last month on subversion charges under the national security law to report to the force on Sunday, a month earlier than expected, with some expecting prosecution.

The group is among 55 arrested by the force’s National Security Department in January over their involvement in an unofficial primary poll ahead of the later-postponed Legislative Council elections. Officials described it as part of a plot to overthrow the government.

Many of the 52 currently out on bail were notified by police on Friday morning that their next reporting day had been moved forward from April to this Sunday without being given any reason.

“Just received a phone call from police. Concerning the case of ‘35+’, [I am asked] to report early to the police station at 2pm this Sunday,” Clarisse Yeung Suet-ying, chairwoman of the Wan Chai district council said on her Facebook page.

Eastern district councillor Cheng Tat-hung’s post read: “February 28 is never a good day in history. Police just requested me to report bail early over the national security case. Laying charges is expected.”