THE highest court in Hong Kong has freed pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong and Nathan Law on bail pending an appeal against their prison sentences.
The pair were convicted of sparking massive “Umbrella Movement” protests in 2014 and imprisoned after the justice secretary had an earlier, more lenient sentence overturned.
The move raised concerns about political interference in the courts. Wong, 21, Hong Kong’s most famous activist, and Law, 24, a disqualified legislator, told reporters outside the Court of Final Appeal that they were granted bail until their appeals are heard on November 7.
They said they were looking forward to having meals with their families after what Law said were some “uncomfortable times” during their two months in prison.
They acknowledged their appeals may not be successful, with Wong adding: “There will be more occasions in the future when our group of young people will go to prison, but we will persist in keeping the faith and working together to fight for democracy.
“The government can lock up our bodies but cannot lock up our minds. The world is watching the result of the case.”
The men were originally given community service sentences but in August Wong was jailed for six months and Law for eight.
Wong is also awaiting sentencing for a separate contempt case.
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