Two Of Detained Hongkongers Face More Serious Charge

Two of the 12 young Hongkongers detained in Shenzhen after being caught by the Guangdong coast guard last month are suspected of organising an illegal border crossing, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

The other 10 are accused of entering mainland waters illegally after the group were picked up at sea last month, reportedly as they tried to flee Hong Kong for Taiwan.

The offence of organising an illegal border crossing could land the pair, identified only as Tang and Qiao, with a longer prison term than the less serious charge of illegal entry.

It's believed that the two are Tang Kai-yin, 30, and Quinn Moon, who is the only female among the detainees.

Mainland media reported that a court in Shenzhen had now "approved" the arrests of the Hongkongers. The court was quoted as saying that the case is under further investigation.

Relatives of the 12 protested outside Beijing's liaison office earlier on Wednesday, demanding their return and for them to be represented by the lawyers appointed by the families.

The relatives complained that they have had no news of their loved ones since the arrests on August 23, and no meaningful assistance from the SAR government.