Hong Kong’s security chief rejects calls to request return of 12 city fugitives held in mainland China, warns of copycat offending

John Lee says the government will ‘absolutely not’ issue the request, saying that will encourage others to jump bail

The dozen, wanted for protest-related offences in Hong Kong, are detained on mainland after failed escape bid to Taiwan

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Secretary minister John Lee Ka-chiu was barracked by opposition lawmakers after appearing before the Legislative Council on Wednesday. Photo: Handout

Published: 4:05pm, 21 Oct 2020Updated: 11:07pm, 21 Oct 2020

Hong Kong’s security chief has rejected fresh appeals urging the government to request the release of 12 fugitives held in mainland China after their failed attempt to flee to Taiwan, saying it would only encourage others to jump bail.

Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu warned of copycat offences as opposition lawmakers in the Legislative Council on Wednesday demanded he seek the return of the group, who were intercepted en route to the self-ruled island and are all wanted in Hong Kong for protest-related offences.

The campaign for their release from mainland detention is attracting international attention, with activists from 30 cities across the world planning events this weekend, including a virtual rally in Hong Kong, to keep the case in the public eye.

Lee on Wednesday dismissed a key activist demand that the city government ask mainland authorities to hand the dozen over to face Hong Kong’s justice system.

“The Hong Kong government will absolutely not do this. This will encourage many more to jump bail and abscond,” Lee said at the Legco meeting.

“These 12 people have been wanted by Hong Kong police. They allegedly committed different kinds of serious offences. They should face legal liabilities.”

The fugitives have been held in neighbouring Shenzhen for nearly two months after being intercepted on August 23 by the mainland coastguard while trying to flee via speedboat to Taiwan. They were arrested on suspicion of illegal border crossing or organising such an act.