Hong Kong slams ‘improper’ international call for return of 12 city fugitives detained in Shenzhen

Open letter to Hong Kong leader says continued failure to push for transfer represents a ‘gross abdication’ of her responsibility to city residents

155 lawmakers from the US, Britain, Germany and Japan among signatories calling for contact to be established between detainees and their families

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The exterior of the Yantian district detention centre in Shenzhen where 12 Hong Kong fugitives have been held for more than 100 days. Photo: Weibo

Published: 6:55pm, 2 Dec 2020Updated: 11:50pm, 2 Dec 2020

An open letter issued by more than 150 lawmakers from 18 countries urging Hong Kong’s leader to demand the immediate return of the 12 city fugitives detained in China has drawn a strong rebuke from the government, dismissing the call as “entirely improper”.

It has been more than 100 days since the dozen – all of whom are wanted in connection with last year’s anti-government protests – were arrested at sea by the Chinese coastguard while attempting to flee to Taiwan in August. They have been held in a Shenzhen detention centre ever since.

Last week, police in the southern Chinese city handed the case to prosecutors to rule if they should move ahead with criminal proceedings against the Hongkongers, who stand accused of entering waters illegally or organising an illegal border crossing.

US Senator Marco Rubio, who has been outspoken in his criticism of the Hong Kong government, was one of the signatories to the letter. Photo: TNS

In an open letter published on Tuesday, 155 lawmakers from countries including the United States, Britain, Australia, Germany and Japan, urged Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor to raise the case with Chinese officials in Beijing to ensure the detainees were guaranteed justice.

“To continue to fail to do so would be a gross abdication of your responsibility to serve the people of Hong Kong and ensure their well-being and safety,” the letter read.