A group of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists went on trial in China today after they were arrested at sea while trying to escape the city by speedboat to get to Taiwan.
Ten of the so-called ‘Hong Kong 12’ appeared in court today in the southern city of Shenzhen to address allegations related to illegal border crossings.
The 12 people, ages 16 to 33, were arrested in ‘compulsory criminal arrest’ in August for illegally crossing the border, according to a statement from the Shenzhen public security bureau in a head of state. south China.
Ten of the so-called ‘Hong Kong 12’ appeared in court today in the southern city of Shenzhen to face allegations related to illegal border crossings. Pictured: Members of the family of 12 people arrested in China at a press conference as the Shenzhen trial remains pending no judgment
Protester Lester Shum said ‘none of the families (pictured) known to the trial have been heard’, despite a court statement saying relatives were present
Eight of the group are accused of crossing the border illegally, but two are suspected of arranging for others to cross the border. Two minors will oppose non-public hearings.
China has a history of taking court action around Christmas and the New Year to avoid Western scrutiny and Monday afternoon’s hearing was closed to foreign and diplomatic reporters.
But the United States urged the immediate release of dissidents they said had ‘escaped tyranny’.
A convoy of vehicles was seen leaving about four hours later and the Yantian District People’s Court said a sentence will be passed later.
Eight of the group are accused of crossing the border illegally, but two are suspected of arranging for others to cross the border. Two minors will oppose non-public hearings. Pictured: Family members of the 12 arrested
At least two of the group could face up to about seven years in prison for attempting to escape from a city where democracy activists have protested against major protests against Beijing’s rule.
Some are already accused in Hong Kong where an obscene national security law issued by China has blocked the federal protest movement.
‘I would urge the Yantian court to hand down the sentence as soon as possible … With judgment I can start for Shenzhen. I just want to meet my son, ‘campaigner Wong Wai-Yin’s mother said Monday afternoon.
At least two members of the group could face up to about seven years in prison for attempting to escape from a city where democracy activists opposed major protests against Beijing’s rule. Pictured: Family member of the 12 people arrested
Campaigner Lester Shum said ‘none of the families we know were able to hear the trial’, despite a court statement saying relatives were present.
‘The so-called’ crime ‘was the escape of tyranny,’ a U.S. embassy spokesman said, ahead of the arrestees’ registered court appearance.
Urging their immediate release, the strongmen said: ‘Communist China will never stop to prevent its people from seeking freedom elsewhere. ‘
The U.S. has used Hong Kong’s capture freedom as a stick to defeat China in recent months.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has entered into a method of expert attack over U.S. views.
Washington needs to ‘immediately stop interfering in matters within China through the Hong Kong case and stop immediately engaging in China’s legal jurisdiction,’ Zhao Lijian told reporters.
The file photo shows pan-democratic legislator Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, Vice-Convener for Figo Chan in Hong Kong Civil Rights, and activist Leung Kwok-hung, also known as “Long Hair”, marching at the anniversary when Hong Kong handed it over to China from Britain on July 1st
The families of the accused – the youngest of whom is just 16 – have requested that the hearing in Shenzhen court be broadcast live after their attendance due to the short warning for the trial and Covid- requirements. 19.
They were not notified of the trial date Friday as their lawyers were barred from meeting with the detainees. Instead authorities have hired state-approved legal representation.
In a joint letter over the weekend, the families said they ‘strongly criticize’ the authorities’ decision to keep the trial in ‘de facto secrecy’.
Under Hong Kong security law, the introduction of Hong Kong’s separation from China is illegal, as the law prohibits the breaking down, turning, terrorism and collision with foreign forces in domestic matters. federal. A man is being held by riot police during a showdown on July 1st
‘We urge governments to send embassy staff to the hearing to ensure a fair and equitable trial with the courts in Shenzhen,’ he said, noting that those are held including British, Portuguese and Vietnamese nationals.
The security law now encompassing Hong Kong gives authorities powers of prosecution for acts deemed to be terrorism, bankruptcy, breakdown or collision with foreign agencies.
The city had enjoyed special freedoms since being handed over from the former British colonial power in 1997, with a treaty promising a ‘one country, two systems’ settlement for 50 years.
Protesters sing slogans and gestures at a protest against a new national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, the 23rd anniversary of a federal move from the UK to China
Beijing says the new security law was needed to restore peace and stability but has been criticized by critics as a deadly attack on Hong Kong’s freedom.
In a statement after the first day of the trial, the UK’s chief diplomat said London was deeply concerned that members of the Shenzhen 12 had been tried in secret today. ‘
‘The Shenzhen 12 did not get access to lawyers of their choice, raising further serious questions about access to legal advice in Mainland China,’ Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said.
‘We expect China to uphold the rule of law and conduct trials in a fair and transparent manner, in line with the fundamental requirements of international human rights law. ‘
Amnesty International said there was little chance of the group getting a fair trial.
‘So far they have taken away their fundamental rights, including the right to protect themselves through legal representation of their choice,’ Amnesty Hong Kong program manager Lam Cho Ming said in a statement. .
Since Beijing passed the security law in June, Taiwan has emerged as a haven for Hong Kong protesters – quietly turning a blind eye to dissidents turning up without visas or proper papers.
The autonomous island opened a new office in July to deal with Hong Kongers who want to move to the island, including those who are trying to stay in Taiwan for ‘political reasons’.