A Hong Kong court has accepted a private prosecution launched by Democratic Party lawmaker Ted Hui who is pressing charges against a taxi driver who allegedly rammed his vehicle into pro-democracy protesters last year.
Speaking to reporters after a closed-door hearing at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on Friday, Hui said the judge deemed the evidence sufficient to justify the trial of the taxi driver, surnamed Cheng, for dangerous driving.
On October 6 last year, footage showed a vehicle appearing to drive onto a pedestrian pavement during an anti-extradition bill protest in Sham Shui Po. The vehicle smashed into a storefront and injured at least one woman. The driver was later beaten by protesters, leaving him hospitalised.
The judge has accepted Hui’s case and will summon Cheng to court. Hui welcomed the ruling, calling it a “first step.”
“This is news that Hongkongers have waited a long time for, because this incident is too unjust,” Hui said, adding he hopes the case will bring justice to society and the person concerned.
Live fire shooting
The pro-democracy legislator also filed a case against a traffic cop who appeared to shoot a young male protester in the abdomen with a live round last November, during a citywide strike in Sai Wan Ho.
Hui pressed charges for an attempt to commit murder and attempting to shoot with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The court said the allegations were serious and time was needed to consider legal perspectives. A written ruling will be delivered later.
“At this moment I can’t say how confident I am [about the case], I will leave it to the magistrate to decide,” he said.
The 21-year-old demonstrator who was shot appeared in court on Tuesday. The student, surnamed Chow, has been charged with obstructing a police officer in executing his duty, attempted robbery and attempt to escape under legal detainment.
The court granted anonymity to the policeman involved citing “serious harassment” – including threatening messages – received by the officer and his family. Chow was not asked to plead and his case was adjourned to June 30.
