Mother of jailed democrat Hendrick Lui arrested after holding up a banner outside court after son’s sentencing
Hong Kong Free Press
Elsa Wu, the mother of jailed pro-democracy figure Hendrick Lui, was arrested after holding a banner outside a Hong Kong court after her son and 44 other democrats were sentenced on Tuesday.
Police on Wednesday said that officers found a 60-year-old woman holding a banner and disturbing the public order on Tuesday while on duty at a court in Cheung Sha Wan.
“The woman was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct in public space after initial investigation,” police said in a Chinese-language statement. “She has been granted bail pending trial and has been asked to report to the police in late December.”
On Tuesday morning, the High Court delivered sentences in the city’s largest national security case to date, with 45 democrats receiving fail sentences ranging from four years and two months to 10 years.
They were convicted over their roles in a July 2020 election primary, through which the opposition camp hoped to identify candidates to help it win majority control of the legislature in an upcoming election.
Lui, a 42-year-old social worker and an activist, was sentenced to four years and three months in jail.
‘Righteous people live’
HKFP reporters saw Wu hold up a banner made from eight sheets of A4 paper that read “Righteous people live, villains must die” at the entrance of the West Kowloon Law Courts Building at 10.48 am Tuesday. Wu was wearing what appeared to be a graduation gown.
Police officers immediately rushed over to Wu, while an officer a few metres’ away shouted: “Take her to the vehicle.”
Wu was surrounded by four uniformed officers at the courthouse entrance. She twice asked police: “where is the protest area?” She also asked the officers why they wouldn’t let people speak.
Wu was escorted to a police vehicle at 10.50 am Tuesday, two minutes after showing the banner, HKFP observed.
In the police vehicle, Wu broke down and could be heard crying. “Why my son was jailed? He’s a political prisoner! He should not have been jailed! He’s a good person… Tell me, why he was jailed?” Wu said loudly from the van as officers shouted “close the door.” Police managed to closed the door to the van and drove away.
Police said on Wednesday that when citizens express their demands, they must do so “peacefully and orderly,” while ensuring compliance with national security, public safety, and public order laws, and without harming the rights and freedoms of others.
If any illegal activities occur, police will decisively enforce the law to maintain public order and safeguard public safety, the statement continued.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
LATEST FROM HKFP
HKFP has an impartial stance, transparent funding, and balanced coverage guided by an Ethics Code and Corrections Policy.
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.