Edward Leung Tells Court Of His Anger During Riot

Localist Edward Leung told the High Court on Wednesday that he couldn't suppress his anger during clashes between protesters and police in Mong Kok two years ago, but he had not planned to use any violence.

Leung denies charges of rioting and inciting other people to riot, but admits assaulting a police officer during the unrest over the Lunar New Year holiday in 2016.

He told the court he was only there to protect hawkers who were being moved on by officials, as well as the city's culture and people.

The 26-year-old said he wouldn't want people to be subjected to violent acts, just as he wouldn't want to suffer from violence himself. He said he was sorry for hurting others.

But the judge stopped the former Hong Kong Indigenous spokesman from speaking, saying this part of his testimony was not related to the charges he faces.

When questioned by the prosecutor, Leung acknowledged that he had sworn at officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, as he believed they were about to crack down on hawkers in the area.

He also said he didn't want the police to disperse protesters who had gathered there.

Videos of the events that night were also played in court by the prosecutor. One of the clips showed pushing and shoving between the police and people in Portland Street. The prosecutor asked Leung if he agreed there had been a breach of peace. He said no, claiming such things happen all the time during protests.

But Leung did agree that acts such as throwing plastic or glass bottles and hard objects at the police did amount to violence. He also acknowledged that hawking without a licence and blocking roads are also illegal.

The prosecutor then asked if Leung thought it was alright to break the law to achieve his goal of protecting local culture. He said it wasn't, and he knew there would be a price to pay and people could be prosecuted.

Leung's trial, and that of four co-defendants, continues.

______________________________