Tong Ying-kit, 24, is charged with terrorism and inciting secession for allegedly driving his motorbike into a group of police officers, while flying a protest flag that read “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times” on July 1 last year, one day after the security legislation came into effect.
Tong also faces an alternative charge to that of terrorism – causing grievous bodily harm by dangerous driving.
He’s been held in custody for almost a year, with the court repeatedly denying him bail and rejecting his lawyers’ application for a writ of habeas corpus challenging the legality of his detention.
In February, the Secretary for Justice, Teresa Cheng, told the defence team that Tong would have to be tried without a jury, citing concerns for the “personal safety” of jurors and their family members under the national security law. Instead, his case would be heard by a panel of three national security judges.
Tong’s trial is expected to last 15 days, and more than a dozen witnesses are expected to testify.