Actor Gregory Wong, 3 others found guilty of rioting
Four people, including actor Gregory Wong, were on Thursday convicted of rioting over the storming of Legco on July 1, 2019. The District Court heard that protesters spent hours trying to smash their way into the building and hundreds eventually managed to get inside, where further damage was caused. The court found Wong, Ho Chun-yin, Ng Chi-yung and Lam Kam-kwan guilty of rioting, with Lam also convicted of criminal damage. Judge Li Chi-ho dismissed Wong's claim to have only been taking battery chargers to a reporter inside Legco, saying he clearly wanted to join the riot. “If [Wong] were to only hand over equipment to a reporter, talking or greeting demonstrators or those present was just unnecessary,” Li said. “And before leaving the chamber, the defendant had turned around to hug and pat a demonstrator – dressed in black with a yellow helmet – on the shoulder. His actions were obviously expressing support and encouragement.” Two others – student reporter Wong Ka-ho and journalist Ma Kai-chung – were acquitted of rioting. But the pair, along with Ho, were found guilty of “entering or remaining in the precincts of the chamber”, an offence that Gregory Wong and Ng earlier admitted. Li said he saw no reason for Wong Ka-ho to pick up a copy of the Basic Law that was torn up by demonstrators, while rejecting Ma’s argument that he, as a journalist, could remain in the legislature despite a dispersal order.  Eight others previously pleaded guilty to rioting and are awaiting sentencing.