Dear everyone,

Wishing everyone a Happy Lunar New Year! I am writing to finally open up regarding my busking situation and arrests, charges and court cases.

To start with, since my arbitrary arrests back in July and August last year, I have had to report back to the Central Police District Headquarters once monthly regarding 3 main cases, namely suspection of criminal intimidation, possession of offensive weapon as well as obstruction of police operation. I am happy to announce all these cases are clear and they are now closed.

On the other hand, I still have a case of a noise complaint regarding my street performing itself. I have already appeared for a court hearing back on August 31 and returned again on October 12 to plead "not guilty." The last day for the trial, which will be the day that I will finally face my prosecutor, will be on this upcoming February 18 at 9:30am at Eastern Magistrates' Court.

Regardless of the outcome of my legal battle, it does not affect me as much directly as I have already moved on and switched focus onto my Patreon as I announced my retirement from my full-time street performances on Oct 21 last year.

But this is not about me or some passerby that didn't like my music. This is abuse of power between a pro-CCP man and the pro-CCP authorities to pick on a mere street musician simply because he was known for singing a certain pro-democratic song they didn't like.

Therefore, in the name of freedom and artistic expression, I would like to call on every fellow street musician, artist and anyone else who believes in the cause to either spread the word or to show up to court along with me to support.

Sincerely,
Oliver

#願榮光歸香港 #GlorytoHongKong #JusticeforOliverMa #Busking #ArtisticFreedom

Oliver Ma 馬賦馳 #20200727中環