Trial of nine democracy activists in Hong Kong

Nine prominent Hong Kong's democracy advocates faced trial Tuesday on charges of organizing an unauthorized assembly in August 2019.

Among the defendants' veteran octogenarian lawyer and dubbed Hong Kong's "father of democracy" Martin Lee and media tycoon Jimmy Lai.

Other defendants are Lee Cheuk-yan, Margaret Ng, Leung Kwok-hung, Cyd Ho, Albert Ho, Leung Yiu-chung and Au Nok-hin.

Before appearing in court, Lee Cheuk-yan told reporters and supporters that Hong Kong's rule of law is deteriorating and quickly becoming a ''rule of fear.''

He held a banner saying "Peaceful Assembly is Not a Crime; Shame on Political Prosecution."