Court remands pair over ‘seditious sheep books’

A national security judge on Friday remanded two people in custody after they were brought to court over allegedly seditious children’s books featuring talking sheep.

Lai Man-ling, 25, chairwoman of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists, and Melody Yeung, 27, the union’s vice-chairwoman, are charged with conspiracy to print, publish, distribute, display or reproduce seditious publications.

Prosecutors alleged that the books were printed to incite hatred against the government and the administration of justice, to incite people to commit violence, and to “counsel disobedience to law”.

Chief Magistrate Victor So denied the accused bail and the case was adjourned to August 30.

Prosecutors also told West Kowloon Magistracy that more charges may be laid against the pair, and more people may be charged.

Three other members of the union were also arrested by national security police on Thursday, but were not charged.

Supporters of Lai and Yeung held placards depicting angry and blindfolded sheep outside the court building.

Members of the pro-democracy Confederation of Trade Unions, including Mung Siu-tat, also attended the hearing to show support.