More pro-dem defendants give up political affiliations

Carol Ng Man-yee, one of the 47 pro-democracy defendants charged with subversion, has stepped down from her position as chairwoman of the Confederation of Trade Unions.

Her resignation came days after the 50-year-old parted ways with the Labour Party on Thursday while applying for bail at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court.

Chief Magistrate Victor So Wai-tak refused to grant her bail, though Ng can still appeal So's decision on Saturday.

The confederation confirmed her resignation on Saturday after visiting Ng in custody. She will remain a member of the executive committee.

"The difficult decision was made by Ng after a huge struggle and serious consideration, and she had a thorough discussion with her lawyer. The confederation completely understands and supports her decision," it said.

Separately, Sai Kung district councilor Ricky Or Yiu-lam, 49, who was granted bail last Thursday but is still subject to the Department of Justice's appeal, issued a statement through his lawyers, announcing his departure from politics.

"I am quitting all of my political affiliations and groups, and will not participate in future District Council, Legislative Council or any kind of political elections," Or said.

This came after former Civic Party leader Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu, 39; then vice-chairman Jeremy Tam Man-ho, 45; former lawmaker Kwok Ka-ki, 59; and Eastern district councilor Lee Yue-shun, 27, announced on Wednesday that they had quit the Civic Party.

So granted bail to 15 of the 47 defendants on Thursday, but the Department of Justice immediately appealed to the High Court.

However, the DoJ later reversed its objection on four of the defendants, including district councilors Clarisse Yeung Suet-ying, 34, and Lawrence Lau Wai-chung, 53, as well as activists Hendrick Lui Chi-hang, 38, and Mike Lam King-nam, 32, and they were released on bail afterward.

Earlier on Saturday, national security designated High Court judge Esther Toh Lye-ping decided to adjourn the appeal hearing till Thursday and Saturday, pending documents from the DoJ and the defense. The 11 defendants were then remanded in prison custody.

Other than Or, Tam, Kwok and Lee, those granted bail include district councilors Cheng Tat-hung, 32; Michael Pang Cheuk-kei, 26; Kalvin Ho Kai-ming, 32; Sze Tak-loy, 38; Sam Cheung Ho-sum, 27; Ng Kin-wai, 25; and former lawmakers Helena Wong Pik-wan, 61.

All remaining defendants were refused bail by So on Thursday and will remain in custody pending their court appearance on May 31.

The 47 pro-democracy politicians and activists were charged with one count of subversion under the national security law for organizing and participating in the pro-democracy camp's primary elections last July.