Five Hong Kong fugitives recently returned by mainland authorities make first court appearance after completing quarantine

  • The five, who served prison terms in mainland China for illegally crossing the border, are facing local charges stemming from 2019’s anti-government protests
  • They were among the 12 Hong Kong fugitives intercepted in mainland waters last year while attempting to flee to Taiwan by speedboat

Suspect Cheung Chun-fu (left) returns to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre after he and four others appeared in court on Monday. Photo: Handout
Five fugitives sent back to Hong Kong last month after serving prison sentences in mainland China for illegally crossing the border will remain behind bars after a magistrate remanded them in custody over local charges stemming from 2019’s anti-government protests.

The five – who were among the 12 Hongkongers intercepted in mainland waters last August as they attempted to flee to Taiwan via speedboat – made their first public appearance since their return at Sha Tin Court on Monday following the completion of their two-week quarantine period.

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