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Explainer | Hong Kong protests: what a demonstrator can expect on being arrested

  • At least 161 of the 1,140 arrested during the ongoing social unrest have been charged and 149 released on bail. Some 122 are subject to a curfew
  • Charges include rioting, unlawful assembly and possession of offensive weapons, among others

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Anti-government protests have rocked Hong Kong since June. Photo: Sam Tsang

The ongoing political crisis in Hong Kong has led to the arrest of 1,140 protesters so far – including some as young as 12 years old – one of the highest counts for a single movement in the city.

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As of Tuesday, at least 161 of those arrested had been charged and 149 released on bail since the campaign against the now-shelved extradition bill started in June. At least 122 are subject to a curfew. Charges include rioting, unlawful assembly and possession of offensive weapons, among others.
The Beijing body overseeing the city’s affairs, the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, on Tuesday urged all local institutions with public authority – the executive and legislative branches, and also the judiciary – to do their job in stopping violence and punishing criminals.
Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, gives Beijing’s views on the unrest. Photo: Simon Song
Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, gives Beijing’s views on the unrest. Photo: Simon Song

What factors are considered for bail or a curfew?

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There are two types of bail – police and court – following an arrest. Judges can grant court bail and impose any conditions they see fit, including imposing a curfew after arrest or during trial. But generally the prosecution negotiates with the defence on bail terms both sides can agree on.

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