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| Family members of the 12 detained Hong Kong activists have expressed fear over their fate in mainland China. (Photo by= AFP/Isaac Lawrence) |
[Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] At least seven of 12 Hong Kong activists arrested as they tried to flee the territory by speedboat to Taiwan will face trial in mainland China next Monday (Dec 28), campaigners and family members said on Friday.
Relatives of seven detainees have been told by Chinese government-appointed lawyers that a hearing will take place Monday afternoon at Yantian District People's Court in the southern city of Shenzhen, according to the Save 12 HK Youths campaign. The group - the youngest just 16 years old - was caught by the coastguard 70km southeast of Hong Kong on Aug 23, before being transferred to police in Shenzhen. They are accused of charges linked to crossing a border illegally.
The activists' arrests were formally approved in September, with families expressing fear over their fate. "We were informed that Andy would be brought to trial on Monday afternoon," the family of one of the group, activist Andy Li, tweeted on Friday. "As with other politically sensitive cases, obviously they rushed for the Christmas period so as to minimise international backlash."Last week, Chinese authorities announced that the prosecution process for the 12 had begun. Eight of the group are accused of an illegal border crossing, while two are suspected of organising for others to cross the border. Two minors face non-public hearings.
