Hong Kong: No information on reported detentions in Taiwan

 Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said Tuesday that Taiwan has not disclosed information about the reported detentions of five Hong Kongers who may have attempted to flee there by boat to escape possible prosecution in Hong Kong under a new security law.

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

“We have no 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 they were found at sea. The reports say they had taken part in Hong Kong pro-democracy protests last year. Taiwan has not confirmed the detentions.

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

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

The police in Shenzhen, a mainland city bordering Hong Kong, did not indicate which border they were accused of crossing.

Lam said Tuesday that those caught breaching the laws of another 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. The self-governing island is a popular choice among protesters who have chosen to leave Hong Kong since the passage of a new national security law in June.

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