Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong has been released on bail, around 24 hours after he was arrested at the city's airport on his way to Germany for allegedly breaching his bail terms.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Wong, a key figure in the anti-government protests that have now entered their 14th week, was released after a court declared his bail terms allowed for pre-planned travel and that his arrest was unfounded.
The 22-year-old activist confirmed to dpa that he was free again and ready to resume his travel to Germany.
"It was unnecessary for them to hold me for 24 hours," Wong said. "They could have dismissed me yesterday afternoon."
Posting on Facebook from the tarmac, Wong stated his goals for the trip, including advocating for a German version of the Hong Kong human rights democracy act, and stopping "the sale and export of weapons to the Hong Kong police."
Since June 9 Hong Kongers have been taking to the streets in mass anti-government protests that were initially triggered by a controversial draft bill that would have allowed criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China. The bill has since been formally withdrawn.
Wong was first detained for several hours at the end of August and released on bail. He, along with fellow activist Agnes Chow, is accused of having encouraged and participated in an illegal meeting in June.
Australian Associated Press
