2 Hong Kong police officers remain in jail pending appeal over framing homeless man for drug possession | Hong Kong Free Press HKFP

A Hong Kong court has refused bail to two police officers, who filed an appeal against their convictions and jail sentences over planting drugs and covering up surveillance cameras to frame a homeless man.

The Court of Appeal on Thursday rejected bail applications from Leung Fei-pang and Pong Chun-sze, local media reported. The pair were among six police officers jailed between 25 and 41 months in October for multiple charges of “perverting the course of justice.”

Justice Anthea Pang heard arguments from the applicants and responses from the Department of Justice. She eventually ordered the pair to remain in detention while awaiting for their appeals.

The case was linked to two police drug sweeps on April 4 and April 24, 2020, around Tung Chau Street Park in Sham Shui Po – home to many street sleepers.

A group of officers raided the tents of Vietnamese men Nguyen Van Son and Le Van Muoi arresting them on suspicion of possessing a knife as well as illegal drugs.

In September, when trial judge Kathie Cheung found six out of eight defendants guilty, she said that the officers had deliberately covered surveillance cameras near the tents.

Footage of the incident also showed that Le had nothing in his hands during his arrest, contradicting the written account from police that he had been holding illegal drugs.

Both Leung and Pong were jailed for two years and one month.

Another convicted officer, Wan Pak-sze, who was sent behind bars for three years and one month, also lodged an application to challenge her conviction and sentence. She did not apply for bail pending appeal.

Support HKFP  |  Policies & Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact Us  |  Newsletter  | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps

Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team