HK judge warns against trial outbursts

A Hong Kong judge sharply warned opposition activists that courtrooms are not an appropriate place to make political commentaries, as key organizers of last year's occupation campaign face charges.

"Here is not a platform for you to express your views on politics," Eastern Court Principal Magistrate Bina Chainrai told a packed courtroom on Friday. The accused should show respect for the courts, the judge added.

Chainrai snapped back after two outbursts by activist Raphael Wong when he was asked whether he pleaded guilty to the charges. Wong shouted: "Not guilty of burning the white paper."