National security law: judge puts bail decision for 11 opposition figures on hold, says more time needed to weigh prosecutors’ bid
- The group will now remain behind bars for as long as another week before hearings are resumed on March 11 and 13
- They are among 15 of 47 ex-lawmakers and activists charged with subversion, who were granted bail on Thursday, a decision challenged by prosecutors
The defendants are among a group of 47 charged with subversion for their roles in an unofficial primary last July.
Calling it a serious matter during a hearing on Saturday, Court of First Instance judge Esther Toh Lye-ping said she needed both the prosecution and defence teams to present their full arguments before making an “informed decision”.
The 11 defendants were granted bail by a magistrate on Thursday, but have remained in jail after prosecutors challenged the ruling.
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47 Hong Kong opposition activists charged with subversion under national security law
During the urgent hearing, Hectar Pun Hei SC, representing district councillor Cheng Tat-hung, attempted to apply for interim bail for his client while awaiting Toh’s final decision on the matter. Some defence lawyers followed suit, but the bid was rejected by Toh.