Lawmaker's Arrest Takes Tally To 15

Police on Saturday evening confirmed they had arrested another person over anti-government protests - believed to be legislator Leung Yiu-chung - just hours after warning they could come knocking for more people in addition to the 14 high-profile figures taken in earlier in the day.

Reports said Leung was arrested following a meeting of Legco's Finance Committee, where the government's HK$137.5 billion coronavirus relief package for businesses and workers was approved.

At a media briefing before the new arrest was confirmed, the force said 12 men and two women had been arrested on suspicion of organising and taking part in illegal assemblies on August 18, October 1 and October 20 last year.

Five of them are further accused of organising unauthorised demonstrations on September 30 and October 19.

Police did not name the first 14 arrested.

However, reports earlier in the day, including from pro-democracy legislators, said they were media tycoon Jimmy Lai and former lawmakers Martin Lee, Sin Chung-kai, Yeung Sum, Margaret Ng, Cyd Ho, Albert Ho, Leung Kwok-hung, Lee Cheuk-yan and Au Nok-hin.

Pro-democracy activists rounded out the group, with Figo Chan, Raphael Wong, Avery Ng and Richard Tsoi also arrested.

A police document revealed by the Labour Party included Leung's name among the list of those arrested.

Superintendent Lam Wing-ho said those arrested were expected to appear before Eastern Magistracy on May 18.

Lam batted off various questions from reporters, including why so many arrests had been made in a single day, and why only high-profile figures were arrested over protests which had attracted massive numbers.

"Police act in accordance with Hong Kong's laws. We will investigate anyone who allegedly violates the laws. We will make arrests and prosecute when there's adequate evidence," he said.

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