Relatives of 12 Hong Kong workers told their family members to return to the area by Chinese authorities on Saturday that their legal rights were’ being violated.
In an emotional news conference, the group
said that their families should be allowed’ to meet with the lawyers they hire,
who were not appointed by the Chinese authorities. That they be provided’ with
the medicine they need, that their families be allowed to call, and that they
be allowed to return to Hong Kong.
Pro-democracy lawmaker Eddie Cho, who
hosted the news conference, said the Hong Kong government had not provided any
concrete assistance, prompting him to ask family officials for help.
"His family is unaware of him and
even his own appointed lawyers are unable to see the detainees," Cho said.
Survivors wore masks, sticks, sunglasses,
jackets and hats to hide their identities in front of television cameras.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday
that the US president was "deeply concerned" about the lack of
information about his well-being and the charges against him, as well as the
appointment of 12 lawyers of his choice. Access denied.
Pompeo quoted Hong Kong leader Kerry Lam
as saying, "We question Chief Executive Lam's commitment to protecting the
rights of Hong Kong residents and urge the authorities to ensure due
process." ۔ "
Lam said on Tuesday that 12 people should
be dealt with "according to the laws of the land" if arrested for
violating Chinese law.
The detention of the 12, including a
16-year-old boy, came after a massive Chinese national security law was enacted’
on the former British colony, which was lifted last month after months of
anti-government protests. Was Critics say the law amounts to a large-scale
crackdown on opposition free speech and political activity, and since returning
to the Chinese government in 1997, it has promised Hong Kong a "one
country, two systems" principle. Civil liberties have been’ further
curtailed.
The 12 were reportedly trying to reach
Taiwan's autonomous island by speedboat when they were apprehended’ by Chinese
coastguards and detained August 23’ in the southern city of Shenzhen. He has
been an extraordinary prisoner ever since.
Thousands were arrested’ during the
protests, and Hong Kong and mainland authorities are searching for more. The
new security law prohibits separatist, subversive and terrorist activities, as
well as collusion with foreign forces, which carries a maximum sentence of up
to life in prison.
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