7 suspects deny charges over plot to kill Hong Kong police officers in 2019
- Six male defendants plead not guilty to charge of bombing, while one female suspect denies role in providing or collecting property to commit terrorist acts
- Group is said to have committed the offences in Hong Kong between August 1 and December 9 of 2019
Seven people linked to an alleged plot to bomb key targets and kill police officers in Hong Kong five years ago have denied charges stemming from an anti-terrorist law.
A nine-member jury was sworn in on Monday at the High Court to hear the 60-day trial of the six men and one woman prosecuted under the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Ordinance.
The six male defendants – Cheung Chun-fu, Cheung Ming-yu, Yim Man-him, Christian Lee Ka-tin, Lai Chun-pong and Justin Hui Cham-wing – pleaded not guilty to a joint conspiracy charge of bombing prescribed objects.
The indictment said they conspired with at least seven others to “unlawfully and intentionally deliver, place or detonate two explosive devices” in a bid to “cause death or serious bodily injury to any person”.
Lau Pui-ying, the only woman of the seven, denied a conspiracy charge of providing or collecting property to commit terrorist acts.
10 men charged under anti-terrorism law over plot to kill Hong Kong officers
The court also recorded a not guilty plea from the six men on charges of a conspiracy to murder, as well as conspiracy to cause explosions of a nature likely to endanger life or to cause serious injury to property, which serves as an alternative charge to the terrorism offence.
Lee is contesting a fifth charge of possessing arms and ammunition with intent to endanger life. He allegedly had possession of a pistol, a magazine and 14 live rounds.
The group was said to have committed the offences in Hong Kong between August 1 and December 9 of 2019.
Mastermind and team leader of plot to bomb officers in Hong Kong plead guilty
Mrs Justice Judianna Barnes in her introductory remarks warned the jury against any discussion of the case with anyone not on the nine-member panel.
She also alerted jurors to possible attempts to tamper with the jury, adding they should report any suspicious behaviour from external parties to the court as soon as practicable.
The prosecution, led by fiat counsel Juliana Chow Hoi-ling, is expected to make an opening statement when the trial resumes on Tuesday.
The trial is slated to last until mid-July.
