HK democracy activist cleared of misconduct

HONG KONG: A pro-democracy Hong Kong lawmaker who was recently removed from parliament after a Beijing intervention was cleared Monday of misconduct in a case he described as politically motivated.

Leung Kwok-hung—known locally as “Long Hair”—is a veteran activist from the League of Social Democrats, and had been charged by the city’s corruption bureau over a payment received while in anti-Beijing media tycoon.

He was accused of “wilfully and intentionally” failing to from the founder of Apple Daily newspaper Jimmy Lai between highly critical of Beijing.

Judge Alex Lee acquitted him saying the prosecution had failed to prove the money was a personal payment to Leung in his capacity as lawmaker, rather than a payment to his party.

Leung had received the payment into his personal bank account but the defense argued it was a party donation, which meant it would not need to be declared.

“Despite the suspicions I have of the defendant’s conduct, I am not satisfied that the prosecution has proven its case against him beyond reasonable doubt,” Lee said in the judgement.

Leung’s trial came at a time when many fear semi- autonomous Hong Kong’s freedoms are under threat from Chinese authorities.

Two weeks ago, he was one of four pro- democracy legislators the High Court over changing their oaths of office to reflect their frustrations with Chinese authorities last year.

Their removal came after an unprecedented intervention from Beijing demanding oaths be taken in a “solemn and sincere” manner.

A number of leading democracy campaigners are currently facing court cases, including over their participation Umbrella Movement rallies.