A number of high profile pro-democracy activists appeared in court on Monday to face charges relating to their participation in 2019 anti-government protests.
Police arrested and charged the 15 political figures back in April for participating in three unauthorised assemblies that took place on Aug, 18, Oct. 1 and Oct. 18, 2019.
The Media mogul Jimmy Lai, owner of the popular local tabloid Apple Daily and Democratic Party founder Martin Lee QC, were among the group of legislators and social activists to stand in the dock.
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Dozens of pro-democracy supporters turned up at the court, with rival pro-establishment groups also seen demonstrating at the scene.
According to local broadcaster RTHK, the 15 did not need to enter any plea, with all released on bail, with the cases adjourned until June 15.
The group could be seen chanting five demands, not one less, a slogan core to the movement, before entering the court building.
The coronavirus pandemic put a temporary end to the protests which started in June 2019, when up to 2 million people took to the streets in response to a controversial extradition bill proposed by the cities beleaguered Chief Executive, Carrie Lam.
The now-withdrawn bill would have seen criminals facing trial in courts in mainland China.
Hong Kong was promised special rights and privileges under the one country, two systems framework put in place when the British handed the region back to China in 1997, after 150 years of colonial rule.
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