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The trial of 11 Korean protestors arrested in violent anti-WTO demonstrations in Hong Kong has been adjourned until Dec. 30.
Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Court under Judge Garry Tallentire on Friday released the defendants on bail and security of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong. The Koreans will have to surrender their passports and be restricted to staying at a catholic church in Kowloon Tong. They must report to Sham Shui Po police station every day.
Hong Kong police requested the adjournment citing the need for further investigation. Police have faced resistance from defense lawyers to putting the suspects in a lineup so they can bring additional charges of assault on police officers and possession of weapons.
The Koreans say they will plead guilty to the charge of illegal assembly but will not accept additional charges. They say they will accept fines or suspended sentences but not imprisonment.
Defense lawyers have resisted putting their clients in a lineup since the defendants could face heavier penalties if witnesses identify them on assault or weapons charges.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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