In this Aug 10, 2019 file photo, protesters target high-power laser pointers at police officers during an illegal procession in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - Two Hong Kong activists pled guilty on Tuesday to charges related to an illegal assembly during anti-government protests in August 2019, while seven others, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, pled not guilty.

Former lawmaker Au Nok-hin pled guilty to organizing and knowingly taking part in an unauthorized assembly, while Leung Yiu-chung, another activist, pled guilty to participating in an illegal assembly. Leung and Au will hear the verdict on March 22.

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The other seven activists on trial, including Lai, Democratic Party founder Martin Lee Chu-ming, and activists Lee Cheuk-yan and Leung Kwok-hung pled not guilty to the charges.

Lai has been in custody since December and is scheduled for another court appearance on Thursday for his appeal against an earlier decision to deny him bail in relation to charges of colluding with foreign forces.

READ MORE: HK's highest court sets aside bail granted to Jimmy Lai