11 convicted of rioting in Wan Chai

The District Court on Saturday convicted 11 people of rioting in Wan Chai on October 6, 2019 – the day protests were held to oppose the government’s anti-mask law.

The court heard that crowds were marching on Hennessy Road on the day and obstructing the thoroughfare.

Petrol bombs were also thrown and the police had countered with tear gas.

The defendants, now aged 18 to 32, were arrested near the site when police officers conducted a clearance operation.

Judge Josiah Lam said the gear the defendants were carrying was commonly used by people joining illegal assemblies or riots, and not something a person would normally carry around.

He added that the defendants had remained at the scene when they knew a riot was happening.

Seven of the defendants were also convicted of violating the mask ban, and one was found guilty of an additional charge of possessing an offensive weapon, namely a laser pointer.

Sentencing has been adjourned to May 7, and the defendants were remanded in custody in the meantime.