Message posted, police responded ... first Hongkonger arrested over online threats after localist Legco candidates barred now released on bail

For the first time in the run-up to this year’s Hong Kong legislative elections, an individual was arrested in connection with recent intimidating remarks and threats online against returning officers after two pro-independence activists were barred from the polls.

But the 22-year-old man has now been released on police bail. He is due to report back to police early next month.

Police did not specify in which cases the man was suspected to be involved.

Chiu Kin-yip, a senior inspector of the police cyber security and technology crime bureau, said the arrest was related “to the recent incident about the returning officer’s decision to disqualify a number of candidates” who sought to run for Legco. “The suspect had posted some political views online,” he said. “We would rather not reveal the political background of the suspect.”

Police took him from his home in Yiu Tung Estate in Shau Kei Wan to police headquarters in Wan Chai for questioning on Wednesday. They also seized two mobile phones and a tablet.

Chiu added that the man was arrested for being suspected of “obtaining access to a computer with an intent to commit an offence or with dishonest intent”.