Police Arrest Seven Pro-democracy Politicians

Police arrested seven pro-democracy politicians on Sunday morning, on charges relating to a chaotic Legislative Council House Committee meeting on May 8.

The Democratic Party wrote on their Facebook page that chairman Wu Chi-wai as well as lawmakers Andrew Wan and Helena Wong, had been arrested.

Labour Party lawmaker Fernando Cheung told supporters on his social media page that he had been picked up by police officers at around 7am. Party chairman Steven Kwok also said he had been informed he was being arrested in relation to events on May 8.

Ray Chan and Chu Hoi-dick, who earlier decided against serving in the extended Legco from October, also told supporters they had been arrested at around 7 in the morning.

During a media briefing, the police confirmed the arrests of 6 men and 1 woman aged between 33 and 63, saying they include serving and former lawmakers, as well as a legislator assistant.

Superintendent Chan Wing-yu said they were arrested on suspicion of violating the Legislative Council Powers and Privileges Ordinance – specifically the offences of contempt, and interference with members.

The seven arrested politicians could face up to 12 months in prison if convicted.

He said those arrested had either dashed towards the chairperson's desk and bumped into security guards, or thrown papers from the public gallery.

Chan was asked if the arrests were politically motivated.

“Law enforcement action is taken in accordance with law and evidence gathered during the course of the investigation. If we consider it necessary, we seek advice from the Department of Justice,” he said.

“I wish to reiterate that enforcement action is taken on that basis, it’s not about social status or political background.”

Chan also said the force has completed its probe into allegations of assault against Federation of Trade Unions’ lawmaker Kwok Wai-keung at the same May 8 meeting, and they are seeking legal advice from the Department of Justice.

Chan said the seven individuals will be released on bail pending a court appearance this Thursday, adding that he does not rule out more arrests.

The Legco meeting on May 8 saw chaos erupt as the council’s two camps fought for control of the House Committee, with scuffles breaking out between lawmakers from rival camps and several pan-democrats ejected by security guards.

______________________________