Radio host “Giggs’ denied bail because of his ties to Taiwan
Indicted on four counts of “sedition”, he is accused of helping young pro-democracy activists flee Hong Kong and funding secessionist organisations in Taipei. The radio host is considered a threat to the Chinese Communist Party. “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung will also remain in prison.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews) – Wan Yiu-sing, a Hong Kong radio talk show host known as “Giggs”, has been indicted for his “close ties” to organisations in Taiwan that help young Hong Kongers escape because of their involvement in secessionist activities, which are punishable under the national security law mainland China imposed on Hong Kong.
As a result, High Court judge Esther Toh in March rejected the request for bail made by the lawyers of the Channel D100 radio host. The court only published the reasons for its decision yesterday.
Wan was indicted on four counts of “sedition.” According to Judge Toh, the nature of his dealings with the Taiwanese Presbyterian Church and the Taiwan-based Judicial Reform Foundation suggest that he can repeat the offence for which he is accused or attempt to flee to Taiwan.
Wan’s defence lawyer called for his client’s release arguing that he was indicted under the Crime Ordinance, and that there was no evidence that he would commit crimes against national security if released.
The radio host was first arrested in November 2020 on money laundering charges, i.e. funding secessionist groups. Wan also often addressed issues related to the pro-democracy demonstrations of 2019 and raised HK$ 13 million (UIS$ 1.6 million) to help young Hong Kongers go to Taiwan to study.
According to the police, this money actually was used to finance fugitives involved in operations against national security and the Chinese Communist Party.
Judge Toh also rejected bail application by activists Jimmy Sham and “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung, a former lawmaker.
The two are among 47 people facing trial for organising or taking part in primary elections in July 2020 to select pro-democracy candidates for the Hong Kong Legislative Council election set for September 2020 (eventually postponed).
Toh said it is highly likely that Leung and Sham will commit acts endangering national security again if granted bail. In her view, Leung has great international stature while Sham is a “determined and resolute young man”.
Leung must also serve an 18-month prison sentence for organising and taking part in a major anti-government protest on 18 August 2019.
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18/02/2021 12:50
