Hong Kong lawmaker Wong Yuk-man jabs at CY Leung as his assault trial continues

A radical lawmaker accused of throwing a glass at Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying asked the latter in court on Friday that given that he was “so used to resorting to special privilege”, why did he not directly contact the police commissioner after being allegedly assaulted.

Wong Yuk-man, who conducted his own defence, continued to cross-examine the chief executive on the third day of an unprecedented trial that saw the city’s top official take the witness stand.

Wong, 64, allegedly threw a glass in the chief executive’s direction on July 3, 2014, when the Leung was speaking at the Legislative Council during a question-and-answer session.

The lawmaker, who argued he was charged because of his political views, has denied one count of common assault.

In court on Friday, Wong asked Leung: “Given you are so used to resorting to your special privilege, why don’t you call the police commissioner?”

The question referred to a recent controversy arising from an incident at the Hong Kong International Airport, when the chief executive was accused of using his position to get a piece of luggage delivered to his daughter, who had already checked in, across immigration checkpoints. Leung has denied the claim.

After Wong asked the question, the magistrate interrupted and said that whether Leung resorted to special privilege “was another matter”, but he allowed the lawmaker to ask if the chief executive had called the police commissioner.

“No,” Leung replied.

Wong continued to complain that the chief executive had been beating around the bush on Friday, wasting the court’s time.

When asked why he picked up a glass fragment on the day of the assault, the chief executive said he needed to find out what was thrown. He went on to say that the previous government had tolerated legislators throwing objects, but not him.

“So you have finished your speech?” Wong asked Leung, who grinned at times.

On anther occasion, the chief executive was asked if he remembered an incident in which a red bean bun was thrown at him. Leung said he could not recall this, but brought up the time when Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah was hit with an egg.

Magistrate Chu Chung-keung advised Leung to focus on the evidence related to himself. But the court heard that the chief executive said throwing a glass had crossed his and the government’s line.

The third day of the trial had got off to a gloomy start as rain poured down on Eastern Court.

The weather did not stop Leung and Wong’s supporters, albeit fewer in number, from gathering outside the premises in Sai Wan Ho in anticipation of the pair’s arrival on Friday morning.

Two of Wong’s supporters were intercepted by a large group of police officers when they attempted to get in Leung’s way before the chief executive made his entrance. One supporter was pinned down on the ground and later taken away.

Leung arrived and entered the court at 9.30am, unobstructed, to attend the hearing that started 10 minutes late at 9.40am. He is expected to finish his testimony on Friday.