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The appeal against the 2019 conviction of the co-founders of the Occupy Central movement kicked off on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
The three founders of 2014’s
Occupy Central movement engaged in what was merely a “conspiracy to inspire”, not one to create a public nuisance – the actual charge they were convicted of five years later – their lawyers have argued on appeal.
Opening the three-day appeal at the High Court on Tuesday, solicitor advocate Eric Cheung Tat-ming said this was the first case in Hong Kong in which the organisers of a peaceful demonstration had been charged with conspiracy and incitement, and severely sanctioned by lengthy prison terms.
Hong Kong protests: ousted opposition lawmaker found guilty of assaulting police loses appeal against conviction
Au Nok-hin was found guilty of attacking Constable Kwan Chi-ho and yelling at Superintendent Ko Chun-pong through a loudhailer in April 2020
Madam Justice Maggie Poon reserves her reasons, to be handed down on a later date, but says Au was hostile towards officers on site