Hong Kong protests: Polytechnic University graduate first person to be found guilty of rioting over clashes with police at campus
- Lui Sheuk-hang convicted in District Court over his role in protest at height of anti-government unrest in 2019
- The product engineer was carrying 26 marbles and 100 cable ties when he was arrested in Hung Hom on November 18
A Polytechnic University graduate has become the first person found guilty of rioting during the violent clashes around the campus at the height of Hong Kong’s social unrest in 2019, while a clerk admitted his role in a lunchtime protest.
Product engineer Lui Sheuk-hang, 31, was convicted on Tuesday on one count of rioting and another of possession of instruments fit for unlawful purposes, in Hung Hom on November 18.
The District Court heard Lui was arrested at the scene when he fell over while police were clearing an assembly of more than 100 protesters gathered at Wuhu Street at about 11pm, after the group hurled petrol bombs and bricks, shone bright lights at officers, and ignored repeated warnings to disperse.
Lui was seen wearing protective gear. A subsequent search revealed a bag of 26 marbles and another one of 100 cable ties in his backpack.
Traces of toluene, a highly flammable solvent, were also found in a pair of arm warmers he was wearing.
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But Lui denied taking part in the protest, claiming he was only there, as a university alumnus, to witness the moment when conflicts were resolved.