Police Investigate Photo Taken Of Trial Jurors

The police on Saturday confirmed they are investigating an incident in the Mong Kok riot trial in which someone took a photo of jurors and sent it the judiciary, warning that ignorance of the law is no excuse.

A Hong Kong Island regional commander, Yu Tat-chung, added there are clear instructions posted outside the court room telling the public not to take pictures.

Jurors were deliberating on Friday for a third day in the high-profile riot trial, when High Court Judge Anthea Pang announced that the judiciary's complaints department had received an email containing a photo showing the faces of four jurors, and a warning that there is "a lot more to come".

She ordered the clearance of the courtroom's public gallery, where the photo is believed to have been taken earlier that morning.

The judge said the incident was "unacceptable" and said a report had been filed with the police. She said the court would do what it takes to protest the nine jurors from outside pressure or interference; she ordered a police escort for jurors and a 24-hour hotline to provide assistance.

In February, a man who was reportedly a tourist from the mainland is believed to have taken several photographs of jurors and also made a video with his phone. However, court bailiffs let him go after telling him to delete the images without getting his personal details.