Jury Retires In Edward Leung Rioting Trial

A High Court jury has retired to consider whether localist Edward Leung and three others are guilty of rioting over their roles in the Mong Kok unrest three years ago.

Violent clashes broke out during the Lunar New Year holiday in February 2016 after protesters prevented hygiene officers from clearing street hawkers.

Before the nine jurors began their deliberations on Monday afternoon, Justice Albert Wong told them that the court would only accept a majority verdict of at least seven to two.

The judge also reminded them that they should only consider the evidence presented during the trial and the lawyers’ submissions.

Leung, 27, is on trial along with Lee Nok-man, Lam Ngo-hin and Yung Wai-ip.

Leung was jailed in June 2018 for six years over the rioting. The jury in that original trial failed to reach a majority verdict on the separate riot charge he currently faces.