Five Hong Kong fugitives recently returned by mainland authorities make first court appearance after completing quarantine
- The five, who served prison terms in mainland China for illegally crossing the border, are facing local charges stemming from 2019’s anti-government protests
- They were among the 12 Hong Kong fugitives intercepted in mainland waters last year while attempting to flee to Taiwan by speedboat
The five – who were among the 12 Hongkongers intercepted in mainland waters last August as they attempted to flee to Taiwan via speedboat – made their first public appearance since their return at Sha Tin Court on Monday following the completion of their two-week quarantine period.
They are Open University student Cheung Chun-fu, 24; transport worker Cheung Ming-yu, 21; vocational school student Yim Man-him, 22; Hong Kong University student Kok Tsz-lun, 19; and mechanical technician Wong Wai-yin, 30.
The defendants are currently being held at the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre and Pik Uk Prison, according to a defence lawyer, who added that they were “in good condition”.
In Monday’s proceedings, Kok and Wong could be seen smiling as they stood in the dock watching a fully packed public gallery. After the hearing, Cheung Ming-yu waved goodbye to the audience, while Yim could be seen giving a thumbs-up.
Yim and the two Cheungs were said to be among 10 conspirators who plotted to kill police officers with guns and explosives during a march on December 8, 2019, an attack that never came to pass. They are expected to stand trial over one joint count of conspiracy to wound with intent in the High Court, where Cheung Chun-fu will also face a separate count of possessing offensive weapons.
Kok is facing one count each of rioting and possessing an instrument fit for unlawful purposes. He is one of 213 suspects prosecuted on rioting charges over the violent clashes between protesters and police around Polytechnic University in November of 2019. His trial will be heard in the District Court.