In a significant legal development, Jason Chan, a former vice president at Deutsche Bank, has initiated an appeal against his conviction for rioting during the notorious Yuen Long attack of 2019. Chan, aged 42, was found guilty alongside six other men in December of last year and subsequently sentenced to 31 months in prison last month.

On Thursday, he became the last of the co-defendants to file an appeal, sparking renewed interest and debate about the events of that fateful night in July 2019. Previously, Chan’s co-defendant, Kwong Ho-lam, also filed an appeal just this Tuesday. This wave of legal challenges comes after five other individuals, including former opposition legislator Lam Cheuk-ting, have already begun their appeals against convictions for their roles in the unrest.

The chaotic scene unfolded on July 21, 2019, when over a hundred masked men dressed in white descended upon the Yuen Long MTR station, violently attacking passengers and pro-democracy activists returning from a large demonstration earlier that day. Graphic social media footage depicted passengers fleeing the onslaught, while police appeared to arrive late, leading to heavy criticism of law enforcement’s response.

During the trial, the court ruled that the actions of all seven men significantly contributed to escalating the conflict. Notably, Jason Chan was seen wielding a fire hose as a means of defense against the oncoming attackers. The presiding judge characterized his actions as “provocative,” concluding that they exacerbated the confrontation, thereby labeling Chan as an “active participant” in the riot.

This violent incident, which left 45 individuals injured, was pivotal in the ongoing struggles surrounding the anti-extradition bill protests that swept Hong Kong. These protests, which began in June 2019, swelled into widespread demonstrations against perceived government overreach, calls for greater democracy, and condemnations of police brutality.

As the former Bank executive seeks to overturn his verdict, scrutiny remains on law enforcement’s conduct at the scene. Initially, the authorities described the Yuen Long incident as a “gang fight,” a characterization that has continued to provoke public ire. The Independent Police Complaints Commission ultimately cleared the police of any misconduct, despite widespread perceptions of their failure to protect citizens on that night.

To date, 20 people have been convicted for their involvement in the Yuen Long violence, with twelve individuals identified as part of the attacking group, while the unruly scene ensnared a mixed audience of activists and bystanders.

The aftermath of the Yuen Long attack continues to reverberate within Hong Kong's societal landscape. The emotions surrounding the events of 2019 remain raw, with calls for transparency and accountability echoing as protesters demand an independent investigation into police actions and the treatment of those who participated in the demonstrations. Amidst a climate rife with political tension and an uncertain future, the appeals process could reignite discussions about justice in Hong Kong during this tumultuous period.