First person charged under Hong Kong’s national security law pleads not guilty | Malay Mail

HONG KONG, June 23 — The first person charged under the national security law in Hong Kong pleaded not guilty as his trial began today, almost a year after he was accused of driving his motorbike into officers at a rally while carrying a flag with a protest slogan.

Tong, 24, was arrested on July 1, 2020, hours after the enactment of the national security law, which punishes what China deems as subversion, secessionism, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Tong has been denied bail. Hong Kong’s common law has traditionally allowed defendants to seek release unless prosecutors can show lawful grounds for their detention. Under the new law, the burden is now placed on the defendant to prove they will not break the law if released on bail.

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