HK 'Occupy Central' leaders to stand trial

Student leader Joshua Wong Chi-fung [Photo/Agencies]

Two Hong Kong students who initiated the "Occupy Central" last year will stand trial on Friday for allegedly obstructing a police officer from performing his duties.

Joshua Wong Chi-fung, the leader of Scholarism, and Nathan Law Kwun-chung, secretary general of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, were arrested Tuesday and were accused of obstructing police officers during a demonstration in June 2014.

The two may face imprisonment up to two years if found guilty, according to Hong Kong laws.

During the event, Wong and Law protested outside the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government and burned a copy of the white paper on the practice of the "one country, two systems" policy.

Wong, 18, said after being released on bail that he was surprised the prosecutors filed the lawsuit against him a year after the event took place and suspected that the government action was politically motivated. But he admitted the video footage showed he had physical contact with a police officer.

The "Occupy Central" protest in Hong Kong started on Sept 28, 2014 and lasted for about 80 days. Protesters blockaded several main roads and streets, which has resulted in serious traffic disruption, fewer tourists, temporary closure of schools and banks and a slump in local stock market trading.

There had also been a series of clashes between protesters and police during the protest.