“I’m not afraid to go to prison.”
This statement — which sparked rapturous applause — is how academic Benny Tai closed his submission to the (name) court today, where and eight others face “public nuisance” charges for their roles in the 2014 mass pro-democracy rallies, known as the Umbrella Movement.
The law professor, a co-founder of Occupy Central, said he “no regret” over the civil disobedience action, which led to a 79-day sit-in at several busy thoroughfares by protesters demanding a free vote on the city’s leader, reported Apple Daily.
“If we were to be guilty, we will be guilty of daring to share hope at this difficult time in Hong Kong,” Tai said, according to RTHK. “I am not afraid or ashamed of going to prison. If this is the cup I must take, I will drink with no regret.”
The 54-year-old has insisted obstructing the public was not the intention of the movement, which, he said, was expected to finish after a few days.
However, heavy handed by tactics by police, who confronted students also campaigning for “universal suffrage” had led to the escalation, he said, meaning authorities should bear responsibility for the obstruction the ensued.
“After the police fired 87 tear gas bombs and used excessive force, everything changed,” Tai said, adding that, following the initial confrontation, the trio, worried about demonstrators’ safety, had tried their best to end the movement quickly.
Tai and fellow Occupy co-founders, sociology professor Chan Kin-man, 59, and baptist minister Chu Yiu-ming, 74, each face three charges.
They include conspiracy to cause public nuisance, inciting others to cause public nuisance, and inciting people to incite others to cause public nuisance.
Tai told the court the movement was intended to evoke “peace and love” not provoke anger and hatred, reported Apple Daily.
He added freedom of peaceful demonstration and freedom of speech were guaranteed and protected by the Basic Law.
Prosecutors have argued the law protecting the right to assemble peacefully does not entitle anybody to block highways for extended periods.
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