**Hong Kong Appeal Court Overturns Acquittal in 2019 Yuen Long Attacks**
A man who was previously acquitted of rioting and wounding charges in connection with the 2019 mob attack in Yuen Long has had his acquittal overturned by the Hong Kong Appeal Court. Wong Chi-wing, who was initially cleared of the charges, appeared at the High Court in Hong Kong on August 28, 2024, to hear the verdict of the appeal launched by the Department of Justice.
**Challenging the Acquittal**
Wong Chi-wing was one of eight individuals who stood trial at the District Court in 2021 for charges related to rioting and wounding with intent following an incident on July 21, 2019. During this event, a group of men dressed in white launched a violent attack on passengers at the Yuen Long MTR station. While seven of the accused were convicted, Wong was found not guilty. However, the appeal judges determined that the trial judge, Eddie Yip, had erred in his decision, stating that Yip had overlooked crucial evidence linking Wong to the attackers on that fateful evening.
**Reconsideration and Bail**
The appeal judges highlighted the presence of circumstantial evidence, including a pair of sneakers worn by an attacker captured in video footage at Wong’s residence, that had been disregarded during the initial trial. As a result, Wong’s acquittal was overturned, and his case was ordered to be reconsidered by Judge Yip. Wong was granted bail until the next hearing scheduled for October 15 at the District Court.
**Convictions Quashed and Appeals**
Subsequently, four individuals who were convicted while Wong was acquitted sought to appeal their convictions. While the appeals of Tang Wai-sum, Ng Wai-nam, and Tang Ying-bun were rejected, the conviction of Choi Lap-ki for rioting and wounding with intent was overturned. The judges highlighted that Choi was wrongfully asked to show his teeth in court to aid in his identification as one of the attackers, leading to a miscarriage of justice.
**Flawed Identification and Release**
Choi was also photographed by the police without prior warning that the images would be utilized as evidence against him in the trial. Despite the judges’ certainty that Choi was indeed involved in the attack based on his appearance and facial features, they emphasized the subjective nature of his identification process. As a result, Choi’s conviction and six-year sentence were quashed, although he had already completed his jail term earlier in the month. Ng and Tang Ying-bun had also finished serving their sentences, while Tang Wai-sum remained incarcerated with a seven-year sentence.
**Yuen Long MTR Station Attack**
The 2019 attack at Yuen Long MTR station saw over 100 rod-wielding men storming the station, leaving 45 individuals injured, including journalists, protesters, commuters, and pro-democracy lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting. The slow response of the police to the incident drew criticism, with officers observed leaving the scene or interacting with the white-clad attackers. Initially described as a “gang fight” by the authorities, the incident sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability.
**Protests and Political Unrest**
The attack in Yuen Long occurred against the backdrop of escalating protests in Hong Kong that began in June 2019 over an extradition bill that was later withdrawn. These protests evolved into a broader movement against police conduct, calls for democratic reforms, and opposition to Beijing’s influence. Demonstrators demanded an independent investigation into police actions, amnesty for those arrested during the protests, and an end to the labeling of protests as “riots.”
In conclusion, the overturning of Wong Chi-wing’s acquittal and the reevaluation of the cases related to the Yuen Long attacks highlight the complexities and challenges surrounding justice in Hong Kong. The judicial system’s scrutiny of evidence and identification procedures underscores the importance of upholding fair trials and ensuring accountability in cases of public violence and unrest. As Hong Kong continues to grapple with political tensions and calls for reform, the outcomes of these legal proceedings will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the city’s future.