Former legislator Lam Cheuk-ting was arrested by anti-graft investigators from his home on Monday morning for allegedly disclosing personal data associated with investigations into the Yuen Long mob attack on July 21 last year.

He was detained at the headquarters of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in North Point for two hours before his release. His case will be mentioned at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts in the afternoon.

In a video on Lam’s Facebook page, officers from ICAC were seen standing outside his door, declaring his arrest at around 8 a.m. on Monday morning. The opposition politician was accused of violating Article 30 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance – disclosing the identity of persons being investigated, which upon conviction is liable to a fine of HK$20,000 (US$3,056) and imprisonment for one year. Officers, however, refused to answer whose identity he had disclosed.

Lam criticized the anti-graft watchdog for becoming a tool for political crackdown. “The ICAC’s interpretation of this legislation is motivated by political reasons. Your arrest today shows the downfall of the ICAC and, once again, proves the downfall of Hong Kong,” he told the officers.

In the notorious 7.21 attack last year, over 100 armed white-clad men stormed the Yuen Long MTR station and assaulted civilians indiscriminately. Many considered it clear evidence of collusion between the police and the gangs because the force failed to respond to emergency calls and officers were spotted walking away from the scene.

The former pro-democracy lawmaker, himself a victim of the mob attack and has demanded a thorough investigation, was charged with rioting over the incident. The trial will take place on Jan. 5 next year. As part of his bail conditions, his travel documents were confiscated and he is banned from leaving Hong Kong.

Click here for Chinese version

---------------------------------

Apple Daily’s all-new English Edition is now available on the mobile app: bit.ly/2yMMfQE

To download the latest version,

iOS: bit.ly/AD_iOS

Android: bit.ly/AD_android

Or search Appledaily in App Store or Google Play