High Profile Democrat Trials To Start In February

The trials of some of the SAR's most prominent pro-democracy figures over their involvement in last year's anti-government protests will begin on February 16.

In a hearing, Chief District Judge Justin Ko also decided that the court will tackle them in a chronological order, starting with the protest on August 18. Ten days have been reserved for that case. It will then be followed by the protests on August 31, October 1 and October 20.

Fourteen people will stand trial. They include media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the founding chairman of the Democratic Party Martin Lee as well as a number of former lawmakers and activists.

Former lawmaker Au Nok-hin has already pleaded guilty to the charges he faces relating to the protest on August 18.

All the trials are expected to conclude at the end of August next year.