Poltical commentator Wong On-yin denied bail, remanded until Jan 20 over National Security charges

Former Civil Human Rights Front vice-convenor and political commentator Wong Kwok-ngon, better known by his pen name Wong On-yin, appeared at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts Tuesday morning on two national security charges and was refused bail. He remains in custody until his next hearing on January 20.

The 71-year-old commentator faces one count of obstructing a national security investigation and one count of knowingly publishing seditious material. 

Prosecutors told the court that police need time to examine his electronic devices and more than 2,400 online videos he posted. They successfully opposed bail.

Representing himself, Wong made his own bail application, which Chief Magistrate Victor So Wai-tak rejected after consideration.

Authorities allege Wong disclosed details of a police interview and questions asked during a national security probe, effectively tipping off others, and posted comments about the Wang Fuk Court fire that incited hatred against the central and Hong Kong governments. 

He was arrested by the National Security Department last Saturday.