Gary Fan Resigns As Councillor From His Prison Cell

Neo Democrats founder Gary Fan on Wednesday announced he has resigned as a Sai Kung district councillor, as he sits in prison awaiting trial under the national security law.

Fan is among 47 pro-democracy activists accused of conspiring to subvert the state, by taking part in primary polls last summer for Legco elections that were subsequently scrapped.

He is the first of the territory's district councillors charged under the law to resign, announcing on social media that because he is now on remand, he cannot fulfil his duty to the people.

"I'm thankful for people's support and encouragement, and grateful for everyone who stayed with me shoulder to shoulder during the turbulent times," the post read.

Fan said his resignation came into effect on Tuesday, and marked an end to his more than 20 years as a district councillor.

Before founding the Neo Democrats, the 54-year-old was a member of the Democratic Party.

He served four years as a lawmaker from 2012. He returned to Legco in 2018 after winning a by-election, only to be removed a year later when a court ruled he was unduly elected.

Meanwhile, the Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood said it had approved the resignations of chairman Sze Tak-loy and vice-chairman Kalvin Ho, who have also been charged over the primary polls.

The pair, who are also district councillors, were earlier released on court bail.