HONG KONG, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, instigator of the Hong Kong riots, and several opposition figures including Lee Cheuk-yan and Yeung Sum were taken away Friday morning by Hong Kong police for investigation, Hong Kong media reported.

Lai, founder of media group Next Digital, was picked up by crime unit officers from his home at around 8 a.m. local time, and was taken to Kowloon City Police Station.

The police will prosecute Lai for intimidating a journalist, and will take statements for his participation in unlawful assemblies on Aug. 31, 2019.

Some opposition figures including Lee Cheuk-yan and Yeung Sum were also taken away by police for their roles in unlawful assemblies.

Hong Kong police said a briefing will be held on the case later Friday.