Eight prominent Hong Kong democracy activists were charged Thursday with taking part in an "illegal assembly" the day after Beijing imposed its broad security law, bolstering an already sweeping crackdown on dissent.

Those charged included veteran activist "Long Hair" Leung Kwok-hung, the former chief of Hong Kong's Democratic Party Wu Chi-wai, ex-legislator Eddie Chu and Figo Chan, the organiser of an annual July 1 rally marking the British handover of the city to China in 1997.

Both Chan and Leung chanted slogans inside the court after the charges were read out, an AFP reporter said.

Chan shouted "Release all political prisoners" while Leung chanted "Peaceful assembly is not a crime. Shame on political persecution."

The group, who were later bailed and ordered to surrender their passports, have been hit with various "unlawful assembly" charges -- namely organising, inciting or taking part in an illegal gathering.

The charges stem from protests that broke out on July 1 this year.

The date has traditionally witnessed large pro-democracy protests in a city where millions have taken to the streets in recent years.

During months of protests that swept the city in 2019, the legislature was stormed on handover day by crowds in an unprecedented challenge to Beijing's rule.

The day before this year's handover anniversary Beijing enacted its draconian national security law, bypassing the legislature and keeping its contents secret until the moment it was imposed.

The law enhanced Beijing's control over the city, outlawed certain political views and deepened the crackdown against democracy supporters.

Tens of thousands defied the law and hit the streets that day in protests that were swiftly broken up by riot police.

Police arrested the eight activists earlier this month, accusing them of being key instigators of that rally.

Beijing says the law was needed to end the political unrest and restore stability.

Critics, including many Western nations, say China has shredded its promise to let Hong Kong retain key liberties and autonomy after the handover.

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