HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s High Court granted bail on Monday to three more activists in a case, which 47 people were accused of conspiracy against the government after conducting an informal 2020 poll to select candidates for legislative elections.
The case is being closely monitored by foreign diplomats and rights groups concerned over trying to suppress dissent in Hong Kong.
Monday’s decision brought the total of those granted bail in the case to 11. It came in the wake of court hearing over prosecutors’ appeals against an earlier decision to grant bail to four pro-democracy activists, one of whose bail was rejected.
The new law, which clearly states the terms of up to life in prison, which according to China is broadly defined as subversion, secessionism, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces. It comprises provisions that comes into conflict with the former British colony’s common law traditions.
The case of the 47 accused of conspiracy throws light on a key departure from previous practice.
This high bar indicate that the defendants could spend months in custody before trials actually start.
The 47 are accused of organising and being part of an unofficial, non-binding primary poll in July 2020, which according to authorities was part of a “vicious plot” to “overthrow” the government.
The vote aimed to meticulously select the strongest opposition candidates for a Legislative Council election, which was suspended by the government subsequently, citing efforts to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.
Since the 47 were charged on February 28, courts have seen a series of requests for bail and appeals by both defendants as well as prosecutors.
The 11 given bail so far include Kalvin Ho, Sze Tak-loy and Lee Yue-shun on Monday. Another, Sam Cheung, was remanded in custody.