Hong Kong: No information on reported detentions in Taiwan

 Hong Kong leer Carrie Lam said Tuesday that Taiwan has t disclosed information about reported detentions of five Hong Kongers who may have attempted to flee re by boat to escape possible prosecution in Hong Kong under a new security law.

Hong Kong government reached out to Taiwan on Monday but has yet to receive a reply, Lam told reporters before a weekly meeting with visers.

“We have information, and haven’t received any assistance requests from family,” she said.

Taiwan media have reported that authorities have been holding five people since last month after y were found at sea. reports say y h taken part in Hong Kong pro-democracy protests last year. Taiwan has t confirmed detentions.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which also deals with Hong Kong and Macao affairs, said last weekend that it does t comment on specific cases and urged public t to eng in unnecessary speculation, island's official Central News ncy reported.

Ar group of 12 people from Hong Kong, also reportedly heed to Taiwan by boat, is being detained in China after y were stopped by its coast guard in Chinese waters on Aug. 23 for illegal border crossing.

police in Shenzhen, a mainland city bordering Hong Kong, did t indicate which border y were accused of crossing.

Lam said Tuesday that those caught breaching laws of ar jurisdiction will be subject to criminal sanctions and investigation by its law enforcement authorities.

In July, Taiwan opened a office to help Hong Kong residents who wish to emigrate. self-governing island is a popular choice among protesters who have chosen to leave Hong Kong since pass of a new national security law in June.

However, those seeking to enter Taiwan must apply for a permit before entry because of coronavirus pandemic.