Ten arrests as Hong Kong police deploy in force on 4th anniv. of Yuen Long mob attacks

Eight men and two women were arrested around Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai on Friday night, police have told HKFP. Friday marked the anniversary of a mob attack that took place around Yuen Long MTR station four years ago.

Officers, some in tactical gear, had deployed in large numbers, carrying out stop-and-search actions.

Police deployed in large numbers around Yuen Long MTR station on Friday, July 21, 2023. Photo: Courtesy of The Collective HK.

On July 21, 2019, over 100 rod-wielding men stormed Yuen Long MTR station leaving 45 people injured – including journalists, protesters, commuters and pro-democracy lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting. Police were criticised for responding slowly to the incident, with some officers seen leaving the scene or interacting with the white-clad men. The official account of the incident evolved over a year, with the authorities eventually claiming it was a “gang fight.”

The incident took place during months-long pro-democracy protests and unrest.

‘Persevere to the end’

Among those apprehended on Friday was activist Alexandra Wong, also known as “Grandma Wong.” She pulled out a pro-democracy yellow umbrella and British flag from her bag.

Police search activist Alexandra Wong near Yuen Long MTR station on Friday, July 21, 2023. Photo: Courtesy of The Collective HK.

One person displayed a banner stating: “Persevere to the end,” according to The Collective.

Journalists were also made to register their identities and produce credentials.

Yuen Long attacks — Unknown men in white attacking train passengers in Yuen Long in 2019. Photo: Internet.

Police told HKFP on Saturday that those arrested on Friday night were between the ages of 21 and 65. Two women were arrested for allegedly being involved in disorderly conduct in a public place. Two men allegedly possessed offensive weapons, whilst another was accused of possessing dangerous drugs. Another man was arrested over alleged illegal entry, whilst four men were wanted over unpaid fines.

In all, only eight of the 2019 attackers were convicted and jailed for between three-and-a-half and seven years. Of those, five lodged appeals. Eight others have been charged with rioting. Then-lawmaker Lam – whose live-stream showed him being attacked – is among them, and is set to appear in court in October.

A journalist at the now-defunct Stand News, Gwyneth Ho, was also attacked. She is currently on trial for her involvement in a legislative primary.

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