Hong Kong police said on Friday that three Hong Kong residents were arrested for unauthorized assembly and are scheduled to appear before court on May 5.
It is reported that the three are Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, instigator of the Hong Kong riots, and two opposition figures Lee Cheuk-yan and Yeung Sum.
Hong Kong police said at the press briefing on Friday noon the three, aged between 63 and 72, were arrested earlier in the day for violating Hong Kong's Public Order Ordinance by participating in an unauthorized assembly between Wan Chai area and Central area on Aug. 31, 2019.
Lai, aged 72, was also suspected of violating Hong Kong's Crimes Ordinance by verbally intimidating a man during an assembly on June 4, 2017 in the Eastern District on Hong Kong Island.
The three have been jointly charged with one count of "knowingly participating in unauthorized assembly", and Lai has been charged with another count of "criminal intimidation", the Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) told Xinhua.
They were released on bail on Friday afternoon.
The riot instigators' arrest has been widely welcomed by Hong Kong residents. Dozens of Hong Kong residents gathered in front of the police headquarters on Friday, holding up banners and chanting slogans in support of the strict and effective law enforcement by the police.
The residents condemned Lai and Lee for betraying the country and causing chaos in Hong Kong, urging to bring them to justice.
The police law enforcement action has been also hailed by many legal professionals in Hong Kong.
Lawrence Ma, barrister and chairman of the Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation, said the arrest of Lai, who has been playing a key role in inciting the black-clad rioters in the anti-government activities, is an encouraging news for Hong Kong.
Lawyer Kennedy Wong said the arrest and prosecution against the three has demonstrated the justice of law and is undoubtedly an important warning to those young people taking part in the unlawful protests.
