Hong Kong activist Andy Chan said he was attacked by three or four men on Friday when he was walking to a court hearing.

Chan, the co-founder of the banned pro-independence Hong Kong National Party, was charged with unlawful assembly and assaulting a police officer at a protest in Sheung Shui on July 13. A hearing for his case was scheduled on Friday afternoon at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts.

Chan said that he was walking from Fanling MTR station to the court at 2:15pm, when he was beaten with electric torches by men wearing hats, sunglasses and masks.

Andy Chan. Photo: Stand News screenshot.

“I was looking at the map on my phone, so my guard was down,” he said.

Chan said he used his backpack to push them away. One of the attackers fell to the ground, while another kicked Chan before the group escaped.

He said he sustained minor injuries on his head and pelvis.

“We must be physically and psychologically prepared for any attack. We are protesters, and the cruel fact is that we cannot avoid this. There is no shortcut, there is no comfortable and peaceful way to get freedom and to defend our dignity,” he said.

Chan said he would not report the case to the police because he did not trust the force.

Fanling Magistrates’ Court. Photo: GovHK.

Chan’s attack was the third case of its kind this week, after Democratic Party lawmaker Roy Kwong and a reporter for Apple Daily were attacked by unknown men.

After the court mention, Chan was released on bail with HK$10,000.

He is subject to a curfew, he must report to the police weekly, and may not leave Hong Kong except for overseas trips that he has already planned.

Hong Kong Free Press relies on direct reader support. Help safeguard independent journalism and press freedom as we invest more in freelancers, overtime, safety gear & insurance during this summer’s protests. 10 ways to support us.