Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong arrested at Hong Kong airport, says ‘ridiculous circumstance’ is result of bail mix-up
- Demosisto party founder was on way to Germany and the United States when he was stopped by police
- Wong will appear at Eastern Magistrates’ Court on Monday, when he expects to be released
Prominent pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday morning for breaching his bail conditions, as he headed to Germany and the US for speeches and interviews.
Police said they were informed at 8.10am by relevant department staff about Wong’s intention to go overseas.
Wong was taken away on suspicion of breaching bail conditions and would appear at Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, the force added.
“I believe the ridiculous circumstance I’m facing now is a direct consequence of political prosecution and arrest,” the Demosisto secretary general said in a statement released through his lawyer.
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Wong was previously arrested on August 30 on three charges of organising, inciting and taking part in an illegal assembly during a siege of the police headquarters in Wan Chai on June 21. He was released on bail later that day.
During the siege, thousands of demonstrators barricaded entrances and pelted the building with eggs, as they made their demands for a complete withdrawal of the extradition bill and an exoneration of those arrested in previous clashes. The city’s leader announced on Wednesday that the bill would be withdrawn.
In his statement, Wong said preliminary legal advice suggested the court had acknowledged and approved his trips to Germany and the US when it granted him bail.
“Therefore, it is believed there are some mistakes on the bail certificate,” the statement read.
Wong expected he would be released after the Monday hearing.
“I’m also [unhappy] at the police’s decision to detain me overnight, despite a clear procedural hiccup, which is utterly unreasonable,” the statement read.
Wong said the incident reflected maladministration, but believed it was nothing personal.
