35+ Case | 10 Defendants File Final Appeal; Department of Justice Does Not Appeal Acquittal of Lui Wai-tsung

Twelve convicted defendants in the 35+ conspiracy to overthrow the government case have previously appealed their convictions or sentences. The Department of Justice also appealed the acquittal of Liu Weicong at the original trial. The Court of Appeal read its judgment on the 23rd of last month, dismissing all appeals.

According to regulations, if the parties intend to appeal again, they must do so within 28 days after the judgment, meaning the deadline for filing final appeals has passed. The Judiciary’s website shows that ten individuals—Wong Bik-yun, Chow Ka-ching, Lam Cheuk-ting, Ho Kui-lam, Yu Wai-ming, Ho Kai-ming, Chan Chi-chuen, Cheng Tat-hung, Leung Kwok-hung, and Ng Zheng-heng—have applied for leave to appeal to the Court of Final Appeal. Additionally, it is understood that the Department of Justice has not yet filed an appeal against Liu Weicong’s acquittal.

A government spokesperson responded to media inquiries, stating that since some defendants have applied for leave to appeal to the Court of Final Appeal regarding their convictions, the Department of Justice will not comment further. The spokesperson reiterated that the SAR government will continue to unwaveringly uphold national security, ensure the lawful rights of Hong Kong citizens, fulfill its sacred responsibilities, and fully prevent, stop, and punish acts and activities that endanger national security.