**Accused League of Social Democrats Members to Enter Pleas for Unlicensed Fundraising in October**
**Legal Proceedings for LSD Members**
Ten members of the League of Social Democrats (LSD) are currently facing charges of unlicensed fundraising and are deliberating on their pleas in a Hong Kong court. The group includes prominent figures such as LSD chair Chan Po-ying, Yu Wai-pan, Tsang Kin-shing, Lee Ying-chi, Dickson Chau, Christina Tang, Lai Ka-lai, Lo Tak-wah, Chan Tsz-cheung, and Cheung Lok-chung. These individuals appeared before Magistrate Frances Leung at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts for a preliminary hearing, where they were informed that their next court appearance is scheduled for October 31.
The charges against the LSD members stem from allegations of collecting money in public places without a permit and displaying posters on government land without authorization. Specifically, the incidents in question took place on April 2 and 30, as well as May 28 of the previous year at the intersection of Great George Street and East Point Road in Causeway Bay, and outside Wan Chai MTR station. The displayed poster was described as a plain black banner.
**Legal Strategy and Precedent Cases**
During the court proceedings, LSD chair Chan Po-ying, acting as a spokesperson for the group, requested an adjournment of their next appearance to the end of the year. This delay would allow the members to assess their pleas based on the outcomes of two precedent cases, one of which involved Chan Po-ying’s own conviction for unlicensed fundraising in 2021. The Court of Appeal recently upheld her conviction and imposed a fine of HK$1,000 for displaying QR codes for the party’s Patreon page at street booths in Mong Kok in 2021.
Chan Po-ying also indicated her intention to appeal her separate unlicensed fundraising case to the city’s Court of Final Appeal. She argued that soliciting donations was a form of exercising her freedom of speech. Additionally, the LSD members are closely monitoring another case involving Pun Lin-fa, a Falun Gong practitioner facing charges related to unauthorized banners. The outcome of these cases will significantly impact the pleas of the LSD members in their current legal battle.
**Challenges and Allegations**
The LSD members are expected to present arguments regarding the nature of their actions, particularly concerning the display of a QR code without explicit calls for donations. They will also contest the police’s handling of the situation, claiming that officers proceeded with prosecution without issuing any warnings to the group. Chan Po-ying emphasized that the police response was disproportionate, leading to immediate legal action against the LSD members.
In addition to the legal challenges, the LSD has faced obstacles in its financial operations. Last year, HSBC closed three bank accounts utilized by the party for receiving donations, citing various factors and conducting a comprehensive assessment before terminating the accounts. Similarly, PayPal Hong Kong ceased services for the LSD due to unspecified “excessive risks” in October 2022. Despite inquiries, the payment platform did not provide further clarification on the perceived risks.
**Impact on Free Speech and Political Activism**
The legal proceedings against the LSD members underscore broader concerns about freedom of speech and political activism in Hong Kong. The accusations of unlicensed fundraising and displaying posters without permission raise questions about the boundaries of expression and advocacy in the city. The LSD has been vocal in its criticism of government policies and has actively campaigned for democratic reforms, making it a target for legal scrutiny and financial restrictions.
**Conclusion**
The upcoming court appearance on October 31 will be a crucial moment for the LSD members as they navigate the legal complexities surrounding the charges of unlicensed fundraising. The outcome of the precedent cases and the group’s strategic response will likely shape the direction of their defense. As the LSD continues to advocate for democratic principles and free speech, the legal battle against the accusations of unauthorized fundraising serves as a test of Hong Kong’s commitment to upholding civil liberties and political dissent.