Ronny Tong: Prosecutors Can Always Appeal On Bail

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2021-03-05 HKT 09:31

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  Ronny Tong said the prosecution has every right to challenge the magistrate's decision. File photo: RTHK

Ronny Tong speaks to RTHK's Mike Weeks

Senior counsel and government adviser Ronny Tong has defended the right of prosecutors to appeal against a decision to grant bail to defendants, after 15 pro-democracy figures were held despite a national security magistrate's decision to allow bail.

The Department of Justice launched the appeal against Chief Magistrate Victor So's decision on Thursday night, forcing the 15 to remain behind bars along with 32 co-defendants in the subversion case. The 15 are due to return to court within 48 hours.

Appearing on RTHK's Hong Kong Today programme on Friday morning, Tong was asked what grounds the department had for launching the appeal.

"Of course they can challenge any bail grounds by the magistrate," he told RTHK's Mike Weeks.

Asked what the reason for the appeal was, the Executive Council member added: "Well, I suppose the judge will have to give reasons at some point to enable the appeal to proceed."