Hong Kong protests: head of largest opposition party denies taking part in unlawful assembly near PolyU in 2019

The leader of Hong Kong’s largest opposition party has denied taking part in an unlawful assembly near a university besieged by police during an intense anti-government demonstration three years ago.

Democratic Party chairman Lo Kin-hei, 38, appeared in the District Court on Tuesday over his alleged involvement in an illegal gathering 300 metres (980 feet) away from Polytechnic University in Hung Hom on November 18, 2019.

The politician and nine others, including a primary school teacher and a journalist, were arrested at Science Museum Square that morning after some protesters challenged a police cordon.

Four suspects – fashion designer Chan Tsz-long, construction worker Wan Yan, and students Lam Yee-man, and Kwok Wai-ling – had their bail revoked after admitting to the unlawful assembly charge.

Lo, teacher Mok Tak-wai and retiree Chan Chung-yee pleaded not guilty to the same offence.

Journalist Tang Cheuk-yu, who was found with seven plastic zip ties, a laser pointer and multi-purpose knives, denied a count each of possessing articles with intent to damage or destroy property and possessing offensive weapons in a public place.

Decoration worker Lai Chun-hung and Tam Ho-ming, who was jobless at the time of the incident, will be dealt with in later proceedings as they were under Covid-19 quarantine.