Four Pro-democracy Suspects Released On Bail

Four of the 47 pro-democracy figures facing subversion charges under the national security law were released from custody on Friday, after prosecutors dropped an appeal against the decision to grant them bail.

Clarisse Yeung, Lawrence Lau, Hendrick Lui and Mike Lam were taken to West Kowloon Magistrates' Court in the afternoon to complete the bail proceedings.

The conditions, set on Thursday, include a ban on doing or saying anything that harms national security, obeying a curfew, reporting to police several times a week, surrendering travel documents and avoiding any contact with foreign officials.

The cash bail amounts they were told to pay range from HK$80,000 to HK$1 million. Their case will next be heard in court on May 31.

In all, 15 of the 47 pro-democracy activists and politicians were granted bail on Thursday evening after a marathon hearing, while the other 31 defendants were denied bail.

However, they all initially remained in custody after prosecutors appealed against the bail decision.

The prosecution's appeal regarding the other 11 defendants the magistrate decided could have bail is expected to be heard on Saturday.

Under the national security law, there is no presumption of bail for suspected non-violent offences.

In regards to the 31 defendants denied bail, Chief Magistrate Victor So said he did not have sufficient grounds to believe they wouldn’t "continue" to endanger national security.

The group, which held primary polls to choose Legco election candidates last year, are accused of plotting to overthrow the SAR government.

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