Hong Kong Authorities Arrest Pro-Democracy Singer for Corruption

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption watchdog on Monday charged a singer and prominent pro-democracy activist, Anthony Wong, with “corrupt conduct” at a 2018 election rally, the latest legal action against dissent by authorities in the Chinese-ruled city. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said in a statement that Wong had provided “entertainment to induce others to vote” for pro-democracy activist Au Nok-hin in a 2018 legislative council by-election.

“At the rally, Wong performed two songs on stage. At the end of the performance, he appealed to the participants of the rally to vote for Au at the election,” the ICAC wrote, adding he had breached the Elections Corrupt and Illegal Conduct Ordinance.

If convicted, he could be jailed for up to seven years and fined HK$500,000 ($64,000), the ordinance says. Wong, 59, who first came into the public limelight with pop duo, Tat Ming Pair, in the 1980s, could not immediately be reached for comment. Au, who went on to win the election, was also charged. Both are due to appear in court on Thursday to plea.

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