Police in Hong Kong have charged eight pro-democracy lawmakers and activists with violating privilege laws at a May 8 scuffle in the city’s Legislative Council (LegCo), under legislation that was originally intended to protect lawmakers’ right to speak freely.

West Kowloon Magistracy adjourned the cases of LegCo members Wu Chi-wai, Ted Hui, Andrew Wan, Helena Wong, and Fernando Cheung; former lawmakers Chu Hoi-dick and Ray Chan, and Labour Party chairman Steven Kwok on Friday, releasing them on bail.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the court building on Friday, holding banners and chanting “Civil disobedience — we won’t be afraid!  Shame on political persecution!”