HK Can't Intervene In Fugitive Suspects' Case: CE

The Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that the 12 Hong Kong people detained on the mainland after they were intercepted by Guangdong coastguards on a speedboat “have to be dealt with according to the mainland laws” before the SAR government could intervene.

Lam was asked at a media briefing on Tuesday morning whether her administration has sought to bring back the 12 people, who are reported to have tried to flee to Taiwan last month.

“The question is not a question of simple getting back as you have put it,” Lam said.

“Because if these Hong Kong residents were arrested for breaching mainland offences, then they have to be dealt with according to mainland laws in accordance with the jurisdiction before any other things could happen,” she added.

Media reports also said the lawyers for at least three of them were denied a meeting with their clients.

Lam said the police have notified the families of some of the suspects, and they are free to ask for any help they need.

“If they need any help, as usual, I have said on many occasions, that we have a duty to render assistance to Hong Kong residents being stranded or being caught in all different sorts of situations outside Hong Kong, and that will continue to be our approach,” Lam said.

“We have an office in Guangzhou and the Guangzhou office will also be liaising with the relevant authorities to see what sort of assistance we should render to these Hong Kong residents,” she said.