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Hong Kong protests: more than 200 defendants charged over stand-off outside PolyU brought to six courts

Hong Kong protests: more than 200 defendants charged over stand-off outside PolyU brought to six courts

213 defendants were among those arrested, surrendered or had their information recorded by police outside PolyU on Monday.

Unprecedented arrangement saw magistrates sitting from 9.30am till the evening, while stanchions were set up outside Kowloon City Court.

A record number of more than 200 defendants charged in connection with the protests outside the besieged Polytechnic University on Monday were brought to six courts across Hong Kong on Wednesday.

The unprecedented arrangement saw magistrates sitting from 9.30am till the evening, while lawyers, reporters, and the families, friends and supporters of the defendants moved between courts to see them, with some finding themselves in the wrong building due to miscommunication.

Some 213 defendants were among the 1,100 people arrested, surrendered or had their information recorded by police at Polytechnic University in Hung Hom and its surrounding areas on Monday, a day after officers besieged the campus, trapping hundreds of protesters, volunteers and first-aiders inside.

Thousands of people had gathered in areas around the university – Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan and Yau Ma Tei – on Monday evening.

Most were arrested for rioting offences which could result in a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail.

A handful were also accused of possessing offensive weapons or instruments – such as petrol bombs, scissors and kerosene – fit for an unlawful purpose.