'Captain America' Denied Bail In Security Law Case

A District Court judge on Tuesday refused to grant bail to a national security suspect, saying there had been no “material change" in the defendant's circumstances.

Ma Chun-man, who was dubbed "Captain America 2.0", is accused of inciting others to commit secession by chanting slogans and displaying placards advocating Hong Kong independence between August and November last year.

The 30-year-old former food delivery driver's previous bail application was rejected by the High Court in December, but he was told he could apply again if a date for trial was not set.

But after a brief hearing on Tuesday, Judge Stanley Chan said the defence lawyer – Bar Association chairman Paul Harris – had failed to provide “substantial information to suggest that there had been a material change in circumstances.”

As Ma was escorted away, he shouted: “Comrades, be careful when you do things. Don’t stay out too late. Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times.”

After hearing this, the judge said no political statements are allowed in the courtroom.

The case was adjourned to March 26 for the defendant to apply for legal aid.