Hong Kong leader testifies in case of ‘glass throwing’
Unpopular Hong Kong leader Leung Chunying gave evidence on Tuesday in an assault case against a legislator who threw a glass at him in parliament, the first time a sitting chief executive has testified in court.
An initially calm Leung became increasingly exasperated as he was cross-examined for hours by pro-democracy and anti-China legislator Raymond Wong, who is accused of common assault and was representing himself in a courtroom packed with supporters from both sides.
Mr Wong has pleaded not guilty to the charge and questioned the validity of allowing Leung’s testimony, calling him “a liar and untrustworthy”. The court ruled however that Leung could be admitted as a witness. It comes as he battles widening political divisions in the semi-autonomous city, with some young campaigners pushing for self-determination or outright independence from China as fears grow that Beijing is tightening its grip.
Rival groups clashed inside the eastern magistrates’ courtroom before the hearing and during the breaks, with anti-Leung groups shouting: “Down with the Chinese Communist Party,” eliciting the response: “May the CCP live for 10,000 years!”