Jimmy Lai Chee-ying makes his way through a throng of reporters as he leaves the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts in Hong Kong, May 5, 2020. (CALVIN NG/CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - A Hong Kong court ordered on Tuesday media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying not to leave Hong Kong ahead of a trial on an intimidation charge.

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Lai, Lee Cheuk-yan and Yeung Sum appeared in the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Tuesday afternoon, charged with unauthorized assembly.

They were arrested on Feb 28 for violating Hong Kong's Public Order Ordinance by participating in an unauthorized assembly between Wan Chai area and Central area on Aug 31, 2019.

Dozens of Hong Kong residents gathered outside the court building on Tuesday afternoon, calling for severe punishment on Jimmy Lai

They were jointly charged with the count of "knowingly participating in unauthorized assembly."

Lai, also suspected of violating the city's Crimes Ordinance by verbally intimidating a man during an assembly on June 4, 2017 in the Eastern District on Hong Kong Island, was also charged with one count of "criminal intimidation."

The court adjourned the case of unauthorized assembly to May 18.

For the case of criminal intimidation, the court granted Lai bail pending trial. He was prohibited from leaving Hong Kong and was required to report to the police station every week.

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Dozens of Hong Kong residents gathered outside the court building on Tuesday afternoon, holding banners and chanting slogans that condemn Lai for inciting riots and call for severe punishment on him.

Lai has been arrested by the Hong Kong police twice this year for his role in the riots.

He was arrested on April 18 along with 14 others for violating the Public Order Ordinance by organizing and taking part in the unauthorized assemblies last year.

They were prosecuted with relevant charges and are scheduled to appear in court on May 18.