Two Hong Kong students who initiated the "Occupy Central" protest last year will stand trial on Friday for allegedly obstructing police officers from performing their 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 on Tuesday and were accused of obstructing police officers during a demonstration in June 2014, China.org reported.
Scholarism and Hong Kong Federation of Students are pro-democracy student activist groups.
The two may face imprisonment up to two years if found guilty.
The Occupy Central protest in Hong Kong started on September 28, 2014 and lasted for about 80 days.
Protestors blockaded several main roads and streets, which resulted in serious traffic disruption, fewer tourists, temporary closure of schools and banks, and a slump in local stock market trading.
There were also a series of clashes between protestors and police.
The protests began after China announced that Hong Kong's citizens would be able to vote directly for one of two or three vetted candidates previously selected by a special commission.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
