Magistrate Rules Against Delay In Legco Assault Case

An assault case against pro-government lawmaker Kwok Wai-keung launched by his pan-democratic rival Ray Chan is moving ahead amid a possible move by the Department of Justice to intervene.

West Kowloon Magistracy on Monday rejected a request by the Department of Justice to delay the proceedings by six weeks in the private prosecution by Chan, of People Power, against Kwok of the Federation of Trade Unions, pending a decision by the department.

In ruling against the delay, principal magistrate Peter Law said the Department of Justice has not clearly explained why it'd failed to decide whether to step in after several months.

He also pointed out that the department could choose to intervene anytime in future.

Kwok pleaded not guilty in the mention hearing.

The case has been adjourned until November 9 for a pre-trial review.

Chan has accused of Kwok of assault during a chaotic Legco House Committee meeting in May as rival lawmakers battled for control of the committee.