Over 20 charged with HK rioting appear in court

HONG KONG , July 31 (AP): Charges were read Wednesday against more than 20 Hong Kong protesters who have been accused of rioting - the most serious charge brought since mass demonstrations began in the city last month.

Standing in a heavy rain, supporters rallied outside the court and chanted "Reclaim Hong Kong, revolution of our times," in what has become a familiar refrain. They are protesting China's influence in the city, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory with its own laws and legal system.

Police said late Tuesday that 44 people had been charged with rioting and one other with possessing offensive weapons.

The accused set up roadblocks, broke fences, damaged street signs and attacked police officers with bricks and iron rods, law enforcement said in a statement.

Only 23 appeared in court Wednesday, and all were released on bail. Their sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 25. It was not clear when the others charged will appear in court.

They were detained after clashes with police at an unauthorized protest in the western part of Hong Kong island on Sunday, when police repeatedly fired tear gas and rubber bullets to drive back protesters blocking the streets with road signs and umbrellas.

Police issued warnings prior to using the tear gas, but protesters stood their ground and threw eggs at the officers.

The large demonstrations started last month as a movement against now-suspended extradition legislation, and have since grown to encompass broader demands around greater democracy and government accountability.