A fund was launched yesterday to help people who were arrested or injured in clashes with police during the 79-day Occupy Central protests last year.
The Umbrella Relief Fund will pay for medical expenses, loss of income as a result of having been arrested or legal fees where necessary.
The fund's trustees have set an initial target of raising HK$1 million, which is to be available for up to six years. They believe about 100 to 200 Occupy protesters will need financial assistance.
"We are not encouraging people to take part in illegal activities. But we would like to offer some help to those who suffered losses because they have done what they believe is good for Hong Kong," said trustee Christine Fang Meng-sang, a former chief executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.
Trustee Edward Chan King-sang, a former Bar Association chairman, said: "Some also face hardship as a result of having been arrested or having had to attend inquiries or court hearings."
On February 24, student leaders Alex Chow Yong-kang and Lester Shum will speak at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy about Hong Kong's political reform.