HONG KONG - The trial in Hong Kong's first criminal case against followers of Falun Gong was adjourned Tuesday after prosecutors objected to the defense's summation and demanded more time to respond.
After an acrimonious session marked by heated protests by the prosecution, Magistrate Symon Wong adjourned until July 16 the trial of 16 Falun Gong followers, including four Swiss, accused of obstruction.
The case has raised worries that Hong Kong is curbing human rights and clamping down on the meditation sect, which is banned as an "evil cult" in mainland China but allowed here. The Falun Gong members were arrested on March 14 for alleged public obstruction during a protest outside the Chinese government liaison office.
The Swiss were refused entry to mainland China and joined the Hong Kong demonstration instead.
During Tuesday's session, defense lawyer John Haynes accused the police of persecuting Falun Gong followers because they had a "political message." Unlike other residents, he said, the practitioners were not given the "pavement tolerance" they were entitled to.
"Hong Kong police have got into the habit of placing humiliating cage like-metal fences around peacefully sitting demonstrators," Haynes said.
Prosecutor Kevin Zervos repeatedly raised objections to Haynes' summation, saying he had failed to address the evidence presented during the trial. He particularly objected to Haynes's contention that police were persecuting Falun Gong adherents.
"You're just making up a story line. Nothing is further away from the truth. There is absolutely no substance in supporting this accusation," Zervos said. "I'm disgusted by such a submission."
Zervos asked for time to prepare a written response to Haynes' summation.