Hong Kong democracy leaders go on trial over Umbrella Movement

The 'Occupy Central' trio urged people to join what became known as the Umbrella Movement.

Hong Kong (AFP) - Three leading Hong Kong democracy campaigners face trial Monday over their involvement in massive rallies calling for political reform, as room for opposition in the semi-autonomous city shrinks under an assertive China.

Rights groups have urged authorities to drop what Amnesty International called the "chilling prosecution" of nine activists -- the pioneering trio, lawmakers, student leaders and pro-democracy party campaigners.