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Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying arriving at Eastern Court for his second day of testimony. Photo: David WongThe historic cross-examination of Hong Kong’s top official grew testy as the city’s chief executive complained a lawmaker accused of assaulting him was repeating his questions in court.
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying continued to give evidence at Eastern Court on Thursday against lawmaker Wong Yuk-man, whom he accused of throwing a glass at him in the Legislative Council during a question-and-answer session on July 3, 2014.
Wong, 64, earlier denied one count of common assault at Eastern Court in Sai Wan Ho, and on Tuesday began cross-examining Leung. The encounter marked the first time the city’s highest-ranking official gave evidence at a criminal trial.
On Thursday, the cross-examination intensified after Wong asked Leung if he knew police’s failure to give the chief executive his typed-up witness statement regarding the July 3 incident immediately after being interviewed by officers was because they needed to investigate.
At an earlier hearing, Wong had asked Leung about when the 2014 statement was served to him. On that occasion, Leung said he did not receive the statement immediately after he was interviewed, but did not give a specific time.
“The court already has a record,” said Leung on the matter. “I don’t want to repeat myself.”
He continued: “I don’t want to use different wording to express the same opinion.” Leung explained that Wong might then accuse him of being contradictory.
Wong asked magistrate Chu Chun-keung to excuse Leung, saying the chief executive had lost control of his emotions. Chu granted the request.
After Leung stepped down from the witness stand, Wong told Chu he wanted to ask Leung if he knew police needed time to investigate, rather than when he was served the statement.
Leung then returned to reiterate that he would not answer the same question, with the magistrate suggesting that Wong was unable to put the question to him properly. Wong then switched to another topic.
The day began with Leung arriving at the court at 9.11am as his entourage of bodyguards and dozens of police officers cleared his passage to the building. Seconds later Wong arrived at the building.
The number of Leung’s supporters and opponents noticeably dwindled on Thursday compared to Tuesday, although altercations and shouting persisted between the two camps outside court.
A commotion followed Leung’s arrival. His supporters – many wearing red caps and surrounded by national flags they had hoisted – raised banners as he emerged from his vehicle.
Inside court, where the public gallery was again full, Wong opened by raising procedural matters with the magistrate, accusing prosecutors of including in a draft document items to which he did not agree or admit.
The lawmaker also asked the court to order prosecutors to furnish their unused evidence relating to the trial that they had not yet provided.
Wong requested an adjournment for the day and mentioned he was feeling unwell. But Chu ruled that proceedings would continue on Thursday from 3pm.
（SCMP）
