National security law: bail granted to three more University of Hong Kong student leaders accused of promoting terrorism
- University of Hong Kong student leaders Charles Kwok, Kinson Cheung and Chris Todorovski had been remanded in custody for 38 days
- Student union council had passed a controversial motion mourning man who stabbed police officer on July 1 before killing himself
The High Court has granted bail to three more University of Hong Kong student leaders accused of promoting terrorism by passing a motion mourning a man who stabbed a police officer before killing himself.
Former student union president Charles Kwok Wing-ho, 20, student union council chairman Kinson Cheung King-sang, 19, and residential hall representative Chris Todorovski Shing-hang, 18, on Friday won bail from Madam Justice Esther Toh Lye-ping after 38 days on remand.
Bail was set at HK$50,000 (US$6,410) each plus HK$50,000 surety from a parent, with conditions that the defendants remain in Hong Kong and live at their respective addresses – which cannot be any of the university’s residential halls – obey a curfew and report to police at least three times a week.
They were further barred from taking part in any student bodies, organising or participating in acts against the Hong Kong and central governments, and contacting any foreign officials.
As soon as the hearing ended, a round of applause erupted in the court lobby filled with students watching a live telecast of the proceedings.
Toh, who has been designated to handle national security cases, will hand down her judgment on a later date to give brief reasons for her decision.
Fourth member of student activist group denied bail over subversion charges
Under the national security law, judges can only grant bail if they are satisfied the defendant will not endanger national security while awaiting trial, a higher threshold than almost all other criminal cases.
The four university student union council members were charged with advocating terrorism and an alternative count of incitement to wound with intent, for passing a July 7 motion in praise of Leung Kin-fai who killed himself on July 1 after stabbing a police constable. All of them have since resigned from their respective posts. The motion was withdrawn after an outcry.
They were the first to be charged with advocating terrorism since the Beijing-imposed national security law, which also bans acts of subversion, secession and collusion with foreign forces, took effect on June 30 last year.
All four defendants are expected to return to court on October 15.
Under Article 27 of the national security law, anyone convicted of advocating terrorism or inciting terrorist acts faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison plus a criminal fine.
