Trial of HK persons detained found in China from Monday, supporters say
10 of 12 Hong Kong persons captured by China in sea because they tried to flee by boat four weeks ago will continue trial found in the mainland metropolis of Shenzhen on Monday, supporters said in Friday.The case has attracted great interest in Hong Kong and abroad as a rare instance of the Beijing authorities arresting people trying to leave the financial hub at the same time of growing concern about the prospects for the city's high degree of autonomy.
The families had asked this week for 20 days' notice to allow them to attend the trial, granted a 14-time COVID-19 quarantine after entering mainland China. Instead, the groups of seven detainees were notified of the trial date by government-appointed attorneys, a support group explained. "
Certainly (the Chinese authorities) are rushing during the Christmas period to be able to minimise international backlash," said Beatrice Li, sister of detainee Andy Li. Beijing's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office didn't immediately react to a obtain comment. Twelve Hong Kongers were intercepted by the Chinese coastguard on Aug. 23 on a boat thought to be bound for Taiwan. Two underage suspects will experience private hearings on another day, Chinese authorities said earlier this month.
All were facing charges in Hong Kong associated with anti-government protests in the ex - British colony, including rioting and violation of a good national security legislation Beijing imposed on the town in June. Within their mainland trial, they encounter expenses of illegally crossing the border and organising an against the law crossing, which could carry sentences as high as seven years.The Hong Kong government has said the defendants must face justice on the mainland before time for Hong Kong, where they are anticipated to be even more investigated for the suspected protest-related crimes.
