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Two prominent pro-democracy activists released on bail in Hong Kong

Two prominent pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have been released on bail following their arr...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

12.45 30 Aug 2019


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Two prominent pro-democracy activists released on bail in Hong Kong


Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

12.45 30 Aug 2019


Share this article


Two prominent pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have been released on bail following their arrests earlier today.

Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, both members of the pro-democracy group Demosisto, had been detained earlier on Friday.

Speaking after her release, Ms Chow accused authorities of attempting to scare residents from taking part in protests.

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She said: "We Hong Kong people won't give up and won't be scared.

"We will keep on fighting for democracy and the five demands of the Hong Kong people."

She highlighted several of the protesters' demands - including a complete withdrawal of a controversial extradition law and an independent investigation into the police handling of protests.

However, she said the most important was "universal suffrage and a democratic political system in Hong Kong".

Mr Wong, meanwhile, suggested fundamental rights were being eroded:

The South China Morning Post reports both activists were arrested on suspicion of unlawful assembly, in relation to a protest at police headquarters in June.

Demosisto earlier tweeted that Mr Wong was arrested while walking to a subway station.

However, Demosisto also moved to deny reports that a third member - their chairman - had been arrested.

Activists

Mr Wong, a former student activist, is one of the most high-profile pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong - having risen to prominence during large-scale 'Umbrella Movement' protests in 2014.

He has been jailed on several occasions after being convicted of offences such as unlawful assembly and contempt of court.

His release in June following his most recent jail term coincided with the escalation of the ongoing mass protests in Hong Kong.

He has since spoken out in support of the pro-democracy movement - in particular highlighting the actions police have taken against protesters:

This weekend is expected to see another round of demonstrations in city.

The protests initially began over a controversial extradition bill, which would have allowed suspects to be sent to mainland China.

While the bill has been suspended, hundreds of thousands of people have continued to take to the streets - calling for the bill's complete withdrawal and for an investigation into the police handling of the demonstrations.

According to the SCMP, protesters are aiming to 'stress test' road and rail infrastructure to Hong Kong airport on Sunday and Monday - potentially disrupting services.

Airport authorities chose to cancel all arrivals and departures earlier this month during protests in the airport terminals.

Main image: Pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong, right, and Agnes Chow speak to media outside a district court in Hong Kong. Picture by: Kin Cheung/AP/Press Association Images

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