Hong Kong Indigenous convenor Ray Wong was released on bail after facing one charge of rioting at Kowloon City Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
Ned Lai, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, reportedly opposed Wong’s bail application, calling the activist a “flight risk”.
Chief Magistrate Clement Lee disagreed, saying “stringent bail conditions” could reduce the chances of Wong absconding, the SCMP reports.
The 22-year-old was released on HKD100,000 cash bail and a HKD100,000 cash surety from his mother, who was sworn to ensure he met the bail conditions or risk losing the HKD100,000 surety.
An unidentified “reputable member of society” was reportedly also willing to act as Wong’s surety, his lawyer said.
Wong has temporarily been barred from areas of Mong Kok except in transit, and ordered to stay in Hong Kong, requiring his passport and home return permit to be surrendered within 48 hours of his release. The 22-year-old was also ordered to occupy a reported address, comply by a court-ordered curfew, and report to Tseung Kwan O police station three times a week.
The freelance interior designer was arrested over the weekend after hiding out in an associate’s apartment for over a week.
Police reportedly confiscated HKD530,000 cash, chemicals used in explosives, a stun gun, Guy Fawkes mask, 100 pills of erectile dysfunction medication and marijuana from the flat. Netizens have derided the importance of the items seized, pointing out that the chemicals, while occasionally present in explosives, are also present in commonplace items like glass.
Senior Counsel Nigel Kat, who was defending Wong, said the HKD530,000 seized by the police was “to be expected”, as the apartment it found in belonged to Hong Kong Indigenous’ treasurer, a 28-year-old surnamed Cheung.
Wong may face further charges pending further police investigation. A hearing for the case has been scheduled for March 22nd to allow for investigation and legal counsel from the Department of Justice.
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