Hong Kong ‘won’t interfere’ after China arrests 12 fleeing for Taiwan at seaFamily members of twelve Hong Kong activists, detained as they reportedly sailed to Taiwan to ask for political asylum, hold a news conference to seek help in Hong Kong on Saturday. HONG KONG: Hong Kong's government stood fast in its refusal to interfere with the arrest of 12 residents seeking to flee to Taiwan by sea, despite pleas from families for assistance, saying the crime falls under mainland Chinese jurisdiction. "The relevant crime falls within the jurisdiction of the mainland and the special administrative region government respects and will not interfere with law enforcement actions," Hong Kong's government said. The group was suspected of committing "various criminal offences" in Hong Kong, it added, as it urged the families to make use of a free legal consultation service being provided. US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus had tweeted the arrests were "another example of the deterioration of human rights in Hong Kong", and called on mainland authorities to "ensure due process".

Source: Bangkok Post September 14, 2020 03:33 UTC