Their resignations were announced during a court hearing where they were defendants. They were among the 47 pro-democracy politicians and activists charged of subversion in connection to the pro-democracy camp's primary election last year.

Leaving the party were former lawmaker Yeung, who stepped down as leader of the party in November after being ousted from the legislature. Tam was the party's vice chairman, Kwok a member, and Lee an Eastern district councilor. The three were unable to hold back their tears while they were addressing the court.

Alan Leong Kah-kit, chairman of the party, has terminated legal representation for the four, he told West Kowloon magistrates' courts on the third day of hearing over their bail application.

Barrister Jeffrey Tam Chun-kit also terminated legal representation for another defendant Lam Cheuk-ting.

The court will decide whether to grant the defendants bail tomorrow morning.

Clarisse Yeung Suet-ying, who landed in the hospital on the first day of the trial, has been discharged and returned to court.