Occupy ringleaders to be sent to maximum security prisons, as scholars call on University of Hong Kong to delay disciplinary proceedings against Benny Tai
- Law enforcement sources say quartet are likely to be sent to Stanley, Shek Pek and Pik Uk facilities to serve their sentences
Four jailed leaders of the Occupy movement are expected to be sent to different penal institutions on Saturday at the earliest, with at least three likely to be sent to maximum security prisons, according to law enforcement sources.
News of their removal came as two top legal scholars urged the University of Hong Kong not to launch disciplinary proceedings against one of the convicted leaders, law professor Benny Tai Yiu-ting, until the appeal process had finished.
Tai, 54, was jailed for 16 months alongside Chan Kin-man, 60, while League of Social Democrats vice-chairman Raphael Wong Ho-ming, 30, and lawmaker Shiu Ka-chun were both jailed for eight months for their roles in the 2014 protests.
Sources said the four, who were sent to the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre after being sentenced on Wednesday, is likely to be transferred to maximum security facilities in Stanley and Shek Pek, as well as minimum security Pik Uk Prison to serve their out sentences. All except Shiu have indicated their intention to appeal.
Shiu, who was sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Thursday for high blood pressure, remained there on Friday after being diagnosed with an abnormal heart rate.