Hong Kong police announced today that 52 of the 55 politicians and opposition activists arrested this week have been released on bail without charge.
None of them has been charged, although three of the 55 have been denied bail: activists Joshua Wong and Tam Tak-chi, who are currently serving prison sentences, and former Democratic Party leader Wu Chi-wai for not surrendering their passport after being released on bail in a previous case.
According to the local radio and television station RTHK, the bail was set at HKD 30,000($ 3870), in addition to the delivery of their passports.
Hong Kong police added that all suspects released on bail must report to the police station in early February, except for former deputy Au Nok-hin, who has to do so later this month.
Leaving the Ma On Shan police station in Hong Kong on Thursday night, activist and law professor Benny Tai said that “the people of Hong Kong will find their own way to advance against the wind”.
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Similar messages were issued by other activists at the time of their release, such as former MP Raymond Chan, who said that the Hong Kong government was using all means at its disposal to “liquidate” the pro-democracy camp.
Among those detained on Wednesday by the Hong Kong Police include activists, academics, former members of the local parliament, lawyers and current district councillors, accused of organizing and participating in an unofficial primary election that, according to security forces, violated the National Security Act.
Wednesday’s arrests and searches were by far the most extensive since the legislation came into force, which could result in life sentences for crimes such as secession or collusion with foreign forces.