Policearrested three former lawmakers from the pro-democracy camp on 18 November 2020.
Eddie Chu,Ray Chan and Ted Hui were chargedfor splashing foul-smelling liquid in the LegislativeCouncil, in a bid to delay the passing ofthe controversial national anthem bill.
(Aired on ViuTVSix on 18 November 2020)
Script:
DemocraticParty's Ted Hui was again taken away by police this morning. This timefor how he chose to protest the National Anthem Bill.
In May, hethrew a rotten plant at Legcopresident Andrew Leung during adebate on the legislation, which criminalisedinsulting the National Anthem.
Hui said,officers told him his actions left the council's president mentallydisturbed.
On bailthis afternoon, Huicondemned his arrest calling it "arbitrary."
(Soundbite, TED HUI, Formerlawmaker, the Democratic Party)
"Thepolice is using public power, usingcriminal procedures to regulate what politicians, legislators, what they speak, what theydo inside our legislature.
This isridiculous. This onlyshows to all Hong Kong people, and to theworld, that this regime is a tyranny."
He wasn'tthe only one taken into custody today. Formerlawmakers Eddie Chu and Ray Chan, were alsoarrested for their protest actions.
They alongwith Hui had splashed asmelly liquid in the chamber onJune 4.
Policeaccuse the three of contempt underLegco's Powers and Privileges Ordinance - whichcarries a maximum 12 month sentence, and up to $10,000 in fines - and - "administering apoison with intent to injure, aggrieveor annoy other people." under theOffences Against the Person Ordinance.
Thatcarriesa maximum penalty of three years in jail.
Chan toldreporters, he didn't think it was fair to becharged like this, while apro-establishment lawmaker who hadgrabbed him by the collar of his shirt anddragged him across the legislature floor got awayscott-free.
(Soundbite, RAY CHAN, Formerlawmaker, People Power)
"Myprivate prosecution with KwokWai-keung, the police said the evidenceis not enough. So nocase, no charge. The DOJ(Department of Justice) stopped myprivate prosecution.
No people(was) hurt from my actions, but they usethis "Offence Against the Person" to charge me,you can see what is the difference."
Chu, Chan,and Hui will appear at the WestKowloon Magistracy tomorrow.
Securitychief John Lee today refused to answermedia questions about their arrests.
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