March 8, 2021 11:05:03 am
Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court granted bail Thursday to 15 of the 47 opposition figures charged with subversion under the region’s controversial national security law after organizing and participating in an unofficial primary election last July. A challenge from the prosecutors, however, meant that all 15 were kept in custody. In a “surprise u-turn,” four of the defendants were released on Friday after prosecutors revoked their challenge to the court’s bail decision.
The defendants were among the 53 opposition figures arrested in dawn raids on January 6. The raids, which have been the subject of censure from international rights groups, were the largest crackdown on opposition since the national security law was promulgated in July last year. Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra said of the raids:
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PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - A court in Cambodia convened on Thursday for the treason trial of scores of opposition figures, one of a series of cases seen by activists as moves by the ruling party to sideline threats to its political monopoly.
The defendants are among 121 people affiliated with the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) who are charged with treason and incitement.
Of more than 60 defendants summoned to appear on Thursday, 11 showed up, according to Sam Sokong, a defence lawyer who represents dozens of the defendants. The CNRP has said many of the accused are in exile, concerned they would not get a fair hearing.
A court in Cambodia convened on Thursday for the treason trial of scores of opposition figures, one of a series of cases seen by activists as moves by the ruling party to sideline threats to its political monopoly.
A court in Cambodia convened on Thursday for the treason trial of scores of opposition figures, one of a series of cases seen by activists as moves by the ruling party to sideline threats to its political monopoly.