Three Protesters Plead Guilty to Charges Related to Violent Anti-Government Demonstration

Strategic Insights -

A violent anti-government protest in Hong Kong in 2020 turned deadly, leaving a police officer with long-term injuries. During the protest, 300 mostly black-clad demonstrators gathered in Causeway Bay, with some setting up roadblocks and chanting political slogans. Wong Kwan-wa, a 26-year-old former civil engineer, pleaded guilty to rioting and wounding with intent after stabbing a policeman with a military knife. Two fellow protesters, Law Kok-sum and Percy Chau Pui-lam, also pleaded guilty to various charges related to the protest.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wong Kwan-wa, a 26-year-old former civil engineer, pleaded guilty to rioting and wounding with intent for stabbing a police officer during an anti-government protest in 2020.
  • The officer, whose name was not revealed, suffered a 2cm cut on his left shoulder that almost reached an artery and a nerve, resulting in a 6cm scar and long-term injuries that have affected his work in the force.
  • Two other protesters, Law Kok-sum and Percy Chau Pui-lam, also pleaded guilty to various charges related to the protest, including rioting, resisting a police officer on duty, and deliberately obstructing an officer.
  • Wong's girlfriend, Cheung Tsz-ching, was accused of helping him try to escape the city after the attack, but denied a charge of perverting the course of justice.
  • Wong was arrested on a flight to London with over HK$70,000 in various currencies, and Cheung was arrested a week later for allegedly assisting criminals.
  • The three protesters will remain in custody until their mitigation hearing on October 13.

Statistics:

  • Over 300 protesters gathered in Causeway Bay on July 1, 2020, during the anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule.
  • The policeman suffered a 6cm scar and long-term injuries that have affected his work in the force.
  • Wong was found to be carrying over HK$70,000 in various currencies when he was arrested on the flight to London.

Sources:

  • "Three protesters involved in Causeway Bay riot case plead guilty" (SCMP, no date)
  • "Police officer stabbed during anti-government protest in 2020 continues to suffer long-term injuries" (HK Standard, no date)
  • "Wong, Law and Chau plead guilty to Causeway Bay riot charges" (BNO News, no date)