Police Warn Of Security Law Arrests Outside Court

Police on Monday warned people gathering outside the court where 47 pro-democracy figures were appearing on subversion charges that they too could be arrested under the national security law.

Officers raised the purple warning flag that they have been unfurling at demonstrations since last July, but which has been something of a rare sight in recent months.

Hundreds of people had earlier swarmed the area outside West Kowloon Magistracy, at times shouting slogans from the 2019/2020 protest movement. Banners were strung up calling for the release of all political prisoners.

Hours later, a crowd of dozens continued to chant, belting out "Hongkongers add oil" and "no rioters, only tyranny", and making a hand gesture to signify the protest slogan "five demands, not one less".

Police warned people they were taking part in an illegal assembly and that their chanting could breach the national security law.

Officers also cordoned off a pavement in the area.

Meanwhile, supporters of the defendants and the pro-democracy movement were also making use of a rare opportunity to write encouraging messages on banners.

"Hang in there!", "We’ve not forgotten your contribution!" and "Take care tonight" were among the messages people left.

The government issued a statement in the afternoon, saying hundreds of people were still queuing to try to get seats inside the court to watch the proceedings and "the situation was very crowded".

"With regards to a court order, security and public health considerations, members of the public are advised to no longer go to the court building today for this case," the statement said.

The court case had earlier been adjourned for a couple of hours, to allow lawyers to take instructions from their clients.

Prosecutors told the court that the primary polls the pro-democracy camp held last year were part of a scheme designed to enable the defendants to abuse the powers given to lawmakers under article 73 of the Basic Law, in order to indiscriminately veto government budgets after gaining a majority in Legco.