Three former Hong Kong lawmakers—Lam Cheuk-ting, Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, and Chan Chi-chuen—currently serving prison sentences for their roles in the "35+ Subversion Case," appeared at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court on March 11 for separate cases involving violating the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance and causing ruckuses during Legislative Council (LegCo) meetings in 2019 and 2020.
Chu and Chan pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 14 and 32 days, respectively. Considering their current imprisonment for the "35+ Subversion Case," portions of these sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an additional 7 days for Chu and 20 days for Chan. Lam Cheuk-ting, who pleaded not guilty, will face trial on September 26.
Chu admitted to four counts of "assaulting, obstructing or molesting a member being within the precincts of the chamber" during the deliberation of the fugitive law amendment in 2019, while Chan admitted to two counts. Lam denied the charges, and his trial has been adjourned to September 26. The prosecution stated that nine witnesses will testify, no cautioned statements will be involved, and approximately one hour of video footage will be presented.
The court subsequently addressed the case involving Chu and Chan related to the "foul-smelling liquid incident" in the LegCo. The two were accused of splashing foul-smelling liquid during the third reading debate of the National Anthem Bill on June 4, 2020. They were charged with two offenses: using harmful substances with intent to cause harm, psychological distress, or annoyance, and contempt under the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance. However, the prosecution confirmed in court that the charges against them had been withdrawn. The original case involved three defendants, with the third being Ted Hui Chi-fung, who is currently at large.
Chu and Chan were also involved in the 2020 case of disrupting order in the LegCo House Committee. Along with six others—Ted Hui Chi-fung, Andrew Wan Siu-kin, Helena Wong Pik-wan, Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung, Wu Chi-wai, and Steven Kwok Wing-kin—they were charged with contempt.
The prosecution stated yesterday that it would not present evidence to proceed with the charges against Chan and applied to withdraw the charges against Chu.
The cases were presided over by Acting Principal Magistrate Cheng Lim-chi.
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