Prosecutors Not Swayed By Protest Designation: SJ

The Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng said on Saturday that prosecutors would not be affected by how the June 12 protests are publicly characterised.

She said her department will look at the relevant evidence and follow the prosecution code when deciding whether to prosecute a person. She said they would handle cases as soon as possible once they have received relevant documents.

A persistent demand of demonstrators, who most recently encircled the police headquarters on Friday, is for the government to withdraw its labeling of the June 12 protests as a riot.

Cheng also apologised in person for the government’s handling of the extradition bill that originally prompted mass demonstrations in the city.

Cheng told reporters she was sorry for the government's shortcomings in handling the matter, which has polarised society. She also stressed there is no timetable to bring the legislation back to the Legislative Council.

It was the first time Cheng had apologised in person, though she penned an apology that was published on her official blog on Friday, in which she said the government would adopt a "most sincere and humble attitude" in serving the public.