The trial of Hong Kong democratic activists arrested and prosecuted by Chinese authorities for smuggling from Hong Kong to Taiwan, which is becoming more controlled by China, has begun in a Chinese court, and activists from the United States and the United Kingdom are allowed to meet with lawyers. There are concerns about whether a fair trial will be held, saying that there is no such thing.
Twelve men and women, including democratic activists and students from Hong Kong, were detained by the China Coast Guard when they tried to sail from Hong Kong to Taiwan in August, and were subsequently charged with stowaway.
It also includes a democratic activist man arrested for violating the Hong Kong National Security Act, most on bail after being arrested and charged in connection with protests in Hong Kong.
Of these, 10 trials began on the 28th in a court in Shenzhen, southern China, adjacent to Hong Kong.
The court was visited by embassy staff from Western countries stationed in China and many Hong Kong media, but the court did not allow hearing and heard the opinions from the prosecution and the defendant on the net. The details of are not disclosed.
Prior to the first trial, the US Embassy in Beijing issued a statement calling for the immediate release, saying that "the act of 12 people being'criminal'is to escape tyranny."
In a statement on the 28th, British Foreign Minister Raab also said, "Activists were informed about the start of the trial three days ago and could not meet with the lawyer of their choice." Will a fair and transparent hearing be held? He expressed deep concern.
(Shenzhen is a river in the soil)