Hong Kong police arrest 4 linked to Taiwan-based group for alleged subversion
Boy, 15, among detained members of Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union, established in Taiwan last November
Hong Kong national security police have arrested four male suspects, including a 15-year-old boy, for allegedly conspiring to subvert state power by advocating for independence through a group established in Taiwan.
Police said on Thursday that the arrestees, aged 15 to 47, belonged to the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union, which was established in Taiwan last November.
The suspects were believed to include the group’s secretary, a member of its council and two general members.
The group had recruited members via social media and also organised an online press conference held in Taipei in February, where it announced it would provide military training to Hongkongers abroad with the aim of “eliminating the Communist Party” and “free[ing] Hong Kong”, the force said.
When the group announced its action plan, members also proposed creating a temporary national flag and anthem and appealed for international support, according to Chief Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah of the force’s National Security Department.
Li said the group organised an activity outside Hong Kong on the 28th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty. The event on July 1 saw participants step on city and national flags, while the locally banned “Glory to Hong Kong” protest song was played.