Fourteen Found Guilty Over Sheung Wan Riot

The District Court on Thursday found 14 people guilty of rioting in Sheung Wan on July 28, 2019.

Chan Wai-lam, Chan Chak-fung, Po Tsz-Ching, Leung Chi-pang, Yeung Wai-sing, Pang Yu-tung, Lau Yiu-chuen, Liu Chung-yin, Chan Wing-Ki, Lam Ho-ching, Liu Tsz-ting, Li Shu-wah, Wu Ka-chun and Cheung Man-hei had denied taking part in a riot around Connaught Road Central and Des Voeux Road.

A 15th defendant, Ho Pak-yiu, had pleaded guilty to rioting, while Cheung was also found guilty of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, namely a laser pointer. She had admitted another charge – possessing a radio communication device without a licence.

Delivering his verdict, judge Ernest Lin said protesters at the riot scene had engaged in stand-offs with the police, often working together to set up road blocks in the area.

He said they also shouted political slogans, shone laser pointers and threw various objects including bricks and petrol bombs at the police.

Lin added that when protesters continued to attack the police and advanced towards them despite warnings, they were using violence to resist law enforcement officers and it was indisputable that they had intentionally breached the peace.

The judge said the protesters' action had made people feel afraid of going to the area, blocked traffic and forced businesses to halt operations.

He noted that all the defendants had been arrested in Man Wa Lane and had been present at the riot, and said the protective gear they were wearing, such as goggles and masks, showed they were prepared for the riot.

All of the defendants apart from Ho were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on January 31.