NSL Suspect 'caught While Trying To Flee To Taiwan'

Mainland authorities have arrested around 10 people after intercepting a speed boat southeast of Hong Kong, with reports suggesting those detained included a man who was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of breaking the new national security law (NSL).

However, police commissioner Chris Tang was unable to confirm the reports, saying that they were “actively asking about any relevant information” from mainland authorities.

“For the time being, we do not have any facts about the allegations, so I’m not in a position to comment,” Tang said.

The Chinese Coast Guard said on its Weibo account that it arrested more than 10 people, including a man surnamed Li and another surnamed Tang, on Sunday.

And according to a report by Radio Free Asia, 12 Hong Kong people who were en route to Taiwan were arrested in the operation.

The outlet reported that a number of activists who had taken part in last year's anti-government protests were detained, including Andy Li, a member of the advocacy group "Hong Kong Story" who was out on bail after being arrested earlier this month for allegedly violating the NSL.

Li was arrested by police on August 10 – the same day they raided the Apple Daily headquarters and detained its founder Jimmy Lai – on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces.