Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said yesterday that Taiwan has not disclosed information about the reported detentions of five Hong Kongers who may have attempted to flee there by boat to escape possible prosecution at home under a tough new national security law.
The Hong Kong government reached out to Taiwan on Monday but has yet to receive a reply, Lam told reporters before a weekly meeting with advisers.
“We have no information, and haven’t received any assistance requests from family,” she said.
Taiwan media have reported that authorities have been holding five people since last month after they were found at sea. The reports say they had taken part in Hong Kong pro-democracy protests last year. Taiwan has not confirmed the detentions.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, which also deals with Hong Kong and Macao affairs, said in a statement yesterday that it will not comment on specific cases, and that it is looking into the inquiries from the Hong Kong government.
Another group of 12 people from Hong Kong, also reportedly headed to Taiwan by boat, is being detained in China after they were stopped by its coast guard in Chinese waters on Aug. 23 for illegal border crossing.
The police in Shenzhen, a mainland city bordering Hong Kong, did not indicate which border they were accused of crossing. Though Hong Kong is part of China, it has a separate immigration system and there are border controls between it and the mainland.
Lam said that those caught breaching the laws of another jurisdiction will be subject to criminal sanctions and investigation by its law enforcement authorities.
In July, Taiwan opened an office to help Hong Kong residents who wish to emigrate. The self-governing island is a popular choice among protesters who have chosen to leave Hong Kong since the passage of the new security law in June.
However, those seeking to enter Taiwan must apply for a permit before entry because of the coronavirus pandemic. AP
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