Proceedings in the case over Abby Choi’s alleged killing began at Hong Kong’s High Court on 21 September, drawing nearly 100 members of the public. The available seating in the court and its extension courtrooms filled at the morning peak, prompting the Judiciary to open a second extension courtroom.
The court was dealing with legal issues before a jury was selected. Three defendants—Choi’s former husband, former brother-in-law and former father-in-law—each face one charge of murder and one charge of preventing the lawful burial of a body.
According to the charge particulars, the murder is alleged to have taken place on 21 February 2023 at the ground floor of village house 56B in Tai Po. The burial-related charge covers the period from 21 to 23 February at the same location, and was added against all three defendants in December 2023.
The defendants were brought to court in a prison van, wearing masks and sitting in separate rows in the dock. They listened to counsel through interpreter headsets, while correctional officers stopped them when they tried to speak to one another. Choi’s father attended the hearing and looked towards the defendants during a recess.
The High Court ordered that no part of the proceedings before the jury is constituted may be reported until the trial ends, citing the risk of prejudicing the administration of justice. It also prohibited publication of the names and addresses of Choi’s four children.
i-CABLE News reported that the case was expected to last 45 days. The hearing was before acting High Court judge Brian Keith.