Hong Kong court quashes rioting charges against seven pro-democracy protesters

A Hong Kong court has found seven pro-democracy protesters t guilty on charges of rioting against draconian national security law back in August. As per reports, all seven defendants have been acquitted of all charges by court. With se latest acquittals, total number of acquittals in regards to rioting charges w stands at 11 with only one being found guilty.

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Acquittals for seven accused of Rioting

While prouncing judgment on Saturday, October 31, Hong Kong District Judge Sham Siu-man stated that re was concrete evidence on what seven accused were doing before ir arrests and ded that wearing black clos and having protective gear was t eugh to convict defendants of rioting.

As per reports, judge said, "Undoubtedly, situation of night in question was t something that one would often see in Hong Kong. To some people, it was perhaps a rare and special historical moment. Court does t rule out possibility that, among those present, re were indeed some who went re hoping to witness everything that was happening."

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judge is reported to have ded that prosecution h failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that seven defendants were rioting. courtroom was filled by supporters and erupted in cheers as judge re out acquittal verdict. As of October 15, Hong Kong police has arrested over 10,000 people with nearly 700 of those facing rioting charges.

Earlier on Thursday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo slammed China for arrest of three student pro-democracy activists under new national security law and demanded ir release. Pompeo criticised China-controlled Hong Kong police force and demanded that Beijing release student activists. draconian national security law that China imposed on Hong Kong came into effect on July 1. As per law, any perceived act of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces is punishable with severe sentences.

(With ANI Inputs, Im AP)

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