Most of pan-dem 15 to fight protest-related charges

Media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying has pleaded not guilty to charges filed in connection with three protests last year, including two counts of organizing unauthorized assemblies and three counts of joining illegal rallies.

Lai and another 14 pro-democrats appeared in Kowloon district court after the case was transferred to a higher court yesterday. This was the fourth court appearance since their arrest on April 18, with all having been out on bail.

The charges include participating and organizing unauthorized assemblies, and inciting others to join these events. They relate to four cases involving demonstrations held in August and October.

Former lawmaker Au Nok-hin pleaded guilty, while "Long Hair" Leung Kwok-hung, lawmaker Leung Yiu-chung, activists Avery Ng Man-yuen and Richard Tsoi Yiu-cheong were not ready to enter pleas.

The remaining 10 defendants pleaded not guilty, including Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China head Lee Cheuk-yan, barrister Martin Lee Chu-ming, and Lai.

Former legislators Yeung Sum, Sin Chung-kai, Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee, Albert Ho Chun-yan, Cyd Ho Sau-lan, as well as activists Raphael Wong Ho-ming, Figo Chan Ho-wun pleaded not guilty.

Au, who faces three charges, will appear in court on December 23 for sentencing, while the cases for the rest will continue on September 18.

Outside court, Au said he plans to go to Japan in September to pursue a PhD in public administration and prefers not to be involved in lawsuits. "I have no confidence in [Hong Kong's] judicial system, so I decided to end it quickly and just eat this s***," he added.