#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
Detainee's Father: My son said he was going fishing with his friends;
Detainee's Wife: I dreamt about my husband, his hair shaved and wearing prisoner’s clothes

Families of 12 Hong Kong youths detained in China met the press on 12 Sept 2020.

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK :

Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:

Media's Question:

"Why do you think families are not allowed to see the detainees?

What are your biggest concerns?

What do you think Hong Kong Government could do to assist in this case? When will families decide to physically go to China?"

========
1. Lee Tze-yin's mother:

"We are talking about 12 human lives. They are worth our government’s attention. They are all precious to our families. However, we have heard nothing from the government, not even a proper statement has ever been made on this case. In the past 20 days, we have been completely ignored, and our families were left on our own to fend for ourselves.

I have been trying not to think about what is happening to my son; or what will happen to him.

With various information shared on the internet, I am too scared to read and imagine what sufferings they will go through."

========
2. Mrs Wong, wife of a detainee, replied while sobbing:

"I had dreamt about my husband, his hair shaved, wearing a prisoner’s clothes, with very dirty face and pants.

I don’t want to think any further, as I am sure what’s about to happen won't be promising. With reference to experiences from other families, even though the lawyer we’ve appointed would receive a Notarial Certificate of Trust (公證書) next week, I see no hope in seeing my husband. I hold no confidence with the governments.

I only hope that my husband would return in good shape soon."

========
3. Cheng Tsz Ho's father:

"My son told me that he was going fishing with his friends. I truly believe so because he went out carry two fishing rods and buckets. That’s our last conversation.

The next thing I knew my son was arrested.

So far, I only picked up news about my son from the media. I urge the government to look into the case and investigate as to what has actually happened. We families are helpless and we couldn’t do anything. We were not even allowed to see our detained families.

Who else can provide us with assistance when the government is ignoring our genuine needs?"

Continue with Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

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#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
Legislator James To: HK Government and Police Have Been Evading Direct Response and Responsibility

Families of 12 Hong Kong youths detained in China met the press on 12 Sept 2020.

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Part 3:

Media's Question to Legislator James To, who is a lawyer:

"Compared to similar cases in the past, how would you [James To] comment on the Hong Kong Government’s response?

========
Legislator James To:

"Based on the cases I worked in the past, e.g. fishermen being detained by the Government of the Philippines.

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong had issued a letter to express concern to the Government of the Philippines. Back then, the HKSAR government also issued a letter to the Chinese Central Government, through them to seek support from Chinese Embassy in the Philippines to look into the case and show concern.

So I would say, back then the HKSAR Government was a lot more proactive.

Second, as for the Hong Kong Police Force, the force is in a position to order an arrest, say e.g. the case of Ray Wong Toi-yeung [a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist who seeks asylum in Germany].

Once when it came to the police's knowledge that Wong is in Germany, they had proactively work on the case and issue a letter to the corresponding authorities. As for these 12 detainees, I am not aware of what the Force has been doing.

Third, I have also written to Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong to seek their involvement in the case. In some previous cases, the office did send officers to pay visits to the detained, despite it being not the mandate of the office.

I believe the Office, being an 'official organization', is in a better position to seek a meeting with the detainees. However, the Office has been evading a direct response which I think is legitimate and humanitarian.

In conclusion, I would say, we know nothing concrete about the detainees at this stage."

Continue with Q&A Part 4:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25233

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25223

Q&A Summary
Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
Detainee's Family: Carrie Lam Called herself the 'Mother of Hong Kong People' but is Not Acting like One

Families of 12 Hong Kong youths detained in China met the press on 12 Sept 2020.

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Part 4:

Question from iCable News

Regarding the Notification Letter (港澳地區採取強制性措施通報表) issued by China on August 28, 2020, did other families also receive this notification? What information does it carry?
=====

1. Derek, family of a detainee:

"The notification was issued to all families on August 28, which carries the detainee's, name, his/her personal information, reason being arrested, date of the arrest, contact information of their family in Hong Kong, contact information of the Yantian Detention Center (鹽田看守所) in China.

In my case, someone called Mr Zhong was assigned as a contact and a Chinese telephone number was provided.

In my conversion with Mr Zhong, I was told to contact a department of the HK Police Force. However, he didn’t clearly explain which exactly the department is. I made several calls to Mr Zhong with an attempt to seek further clarification, but was not successful."

=====

2. Legislator James To:

“As far as I understand, Mr Zhong was referring to the Liaison Services Section (聯絡事務科) of HK Police Force."

=====
Question from iCable News:

"The HK Government did make a brief statement last Tuesday stating the limit of HK government’s involvement.

What are the families’ response to this? Any specific message you want to send to the Chief Executive?"

=====
1. Lee Tsz-yin's mother:

"We have been keeping our heads down, trying not to create trouble to anyone and considering the safety issue of our detained family.

However, the HK government didn’t even fulfill the minimum duties of a government. I felt that they don’t even treating us (the detainees and their families) fairly as humans.

So far, I don’t think the Chief Executive (Carrie Lam) has been doing anything on this case.

What I like to say to her is:
'These 12 people are Hong Kong citizens. Please honor your duty as Chief Executive and protect your citizens.'"

=====

2. Family of another detainee:

The Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, claimed herself the 'mother of Hong Kong people'. Imagine if your sons have gone lost, any mother would do anything possible to seek their return, and protect their sons.

Speaking from my experience, she has been neglecting the detainees, not acting in any way like a mother."

Continue with Q&A Part 5:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25235

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
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Q&A Summary
Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
HK Legistor James To: In Precedent Cases, Even People Seeking Hideout in China were NEVER Charged with “Illegally Transgressing the Border”

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Part 5:
Question from Radio Free Asia (RFA)

"We have reported earlier that this case could be escalated to a breach of National Security Law.

Is there any form of formal communication provided to the families about reasons for the 12 detainees being arrested?

====
1. Responses from Moderator of the Press Conference:

"The families were told that the 12 youths were arrested and detained for “illegally transgressing the border” (偷越邊境罪) with a maximum penalty of 1 year.

Later on, an officer told one of the family-appointed-lawyers that the 12 detainees could be charged with the “Crime of Organizing and Transporting Other Person to Cross the National Boarder” (組織他人偷越過邊境罪) and subject to a penalty 2 to 7 years of imprisonment and even a life sentence."

2. Legislator James To:

"In the past, there were plenty cases where Hong Kong people fled to China for hideout after committing crimes in Hong Kong.

When these people were found and arrested by the Chinese authorities, they were deported back to Hong Kong for trial.

These people, having fled to China, were NEVER charged with “illegally transgressing the border”.

In our case, while the real cause of the 12 Hong Kong people for appearing at the waters remains unknown, it could simply be “harmless crossing the mainland waters” (無害通過內地水域).

While I understand and respect the Chinese authorities’ need to carry out investigation, it is more reasonable for the Chinese Authorities to hand Hong Kong people back to the Hong Kong Government. This is how all similar cases had been handled in the past.

I am not in any position to predict whether this case is more likely be trialed in Hong Kong or China.

With reference to cases in the past, there were standing practices for Chinese authorities to hand Hong Kong people back to Hong Kong for necessary legal procedures.

It is a mistake to put Hong Kong people through a trial in China only because these people were found in China, as we are still upholding the principles of One Country Two Systems.

Even if the 12 Hong Kong citizens were arrested for violating the National Security Law, and they should be handed to the Chinese authority for investigation, there should still be proper procedures governing the entire handling process."

Continue with Q&A Part 6:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25236

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
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Q&A Summary
Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231

Part 4:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25233

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
At Least 4 HK Governments Bodies and Departments Didn't Assist Hongkongers Captured by Chinese Authorities

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Part 6:

Questions from RTHK

"Has any of the detainee ever disclosed to their family members that they could be 'arrested'?

Did the families receive any pressure demaning them to stay low profile?

=====
Responses from Lee Tsz-yin's Mother

"We ate and chatted together as usual and my son was all the way happy. I cannot recall any unusual behaviour.

This is our first press briefing and there was no pressure on us to stay low before this."

=====

Media's Questions

"Can you elaborate on the engagement so far with the HK authorities?

How will you comment on the process?

As to [US Secretary of the State Department] Pompeo’s comment this morning, do you think his comment is helpful to this case, or could it create unnecessary tension?"

=====

Response from Legislator James To:

"In sum, we have already:

1. Issued letter to the HK Police Force – urging them to take a proactive stance in seeking return of the 12 Hong Kong people following existing practices;

2. Issued letter to the Hong Kong's Economic & Trade Office in Guangdong, China– requesting the Office to visit the detainees.

The Office didn’t respond to my request directly. However, the Office did tell my assistant that they won't be able to see the detainee and it is more 'appropriate to seek lawyer’s assistance'.

3. Issued letter to the HK Government's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau – requesting the Bureau to visit the detainees, to ensure they will be humanely treated with food and medication sufficiently provided;

4. Issued letter to the HK Government's Security Bureau – seeking to meet with the officials.

We are awaiting the Bureau’s response."

Continue with Q&A Part 7 (End):
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25237

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25223

Q&A Summary
Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231

Part 4:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25233

Part 5:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25235

#Save12HKYouths #PressConference
At Least 1 Portugese National and 2 BNO Passport Holders Among 12 People Captured and Detained by China

Q&A Summary by Guardians of Hong Kong (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Part 7:

Media's Questions:

"Earlier, Hong Kong's Immigration Department issued a statement, saying the detainees are in good health condition and their families have hired lawyers.

Has the Immigration Department also been involved?"

=====

Responses from Press Conference Moderator:

"The Hong Kong's Immigration Department has never been actively involved in this case and they are not part of the communication platform.

It is in the best interest of the detainees and their families to engage lawyers they trust.

Only through these lawyers directly appointed by the families of the detainees, the health condition and the mental state of the detainees can be fairly assessed and discussed.

That is to say, the actual health condition of the detainees still remain unknown to their families, at this stage.

Although not all families of the detainees have reported the case to the HK Police, all of them have received the Notification Letter (港澳地區採取強制性措施通報表) from China's Yantian Detention center.

Based on this letter, the HK Police is the focal point for communication.

We believe Pompeo’s attention will bring positive impact on this case. We are hoping for more attention from international communities to not only the 12 detained Hong Kong citizens, but also the human rights lawyers in China, being threatened and oppressed.

====

Responses from Legislator James To

"The families did write to Hong Kong's Immigration Department.

The Department said there is already an 'established channel' to pass letters from the families to the detainees."

=====

Questions from Reuters

"Among the detainees, how many of them are holding foreign passport? If yes, has any embassy been involved?"

=====

Responses from Legislator Chu Hoi-dick:

"At least one of the detainees is a Portugal national, at least two are BNO passport holders.

Relatives of the detainee of Portugese nationality has contacted the Portugese Consulate in China, seeking their assistance on this matter."

-END-

====
Press Conference Summary by Guardians of HK (#GoHK) and Be Water - HK

Read more on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2785115655043236/

Via Telegram:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25223

Q&A Summary
Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25228

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25230

Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25231

Part 4:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25233

Part 5:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25235

Part 6:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25236

#FirstHand #Jun12 #PressConference #Video
#StudentPoliticism Calls On Citizens to Stay True to the Original Cause on Protest Anniversary

Read more
⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30064

#FirstHand #Jun12 #PressConference #Video
#StudentPoliticism Calls On Citizens to Stay True to the Original Cause on Protest Anniversary

Video: https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30063

On June 11, 2021, the Hong Kong police arrested the convenor of the pro-democracy group #StudentPoliticism, #WongYatChin and the spokeperson #WongYuenLam. The police claimed that their plan to set up a street booth in Mongkok the next day was an "intent to incite or promote unauthorized assembly". The police also accused them of "inciting violence".

Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30053

On June 12, 2021, the two pro-democracy youth were still detained by the police. Their fellow group members held a press meeting to reiterate their stance and express their determination.

The group clarified that in the past, when they mentioned the 2019 #AntiELAB movement, the use of force in protests was recounted as events but never promoted as a strategy. Their goal is to take part in civic education.

The group said the authorities has forced Hong Kong to enter an era of #WhiteTerror.

On June 12, the two year-mark of the first police-civilian clash in the 2019 pro-democracy movement, the group will not take any collective action, but every individual can speak up in defense of freedom and stay true to the original cause of the 2019 ptotests.

#HongKongProtests #Freedom

===
Student Politicism Convenor Wong Yat-chin:
"No matter how many obstacles are there in front of us, we should continue to forge forward and stand by our beliefs"

https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30066

#FirstHand #June12
Arrested Pro-democracy Youth:
"No matter how many obstacles are there in front of us, we should continue to forge forward and stand by our beliefs"

Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30066

#FirstHand #June12
Arrested Pro-democracy Youth:
"No matter how many obstacles are there in front of us, we should continue to forge forward and stand by our beliefs"

#Video in English:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30065

On June 12, 2021, the pro-democracy group #StudentActivism held a #PressConference in response to the police arrest of their convenor #WongYatChin and spokeperson #WongYuenLam the day before for a so-called "unauthorized assembly" that has not yet taken place.

Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30053

Towards the end of the press conference, the group delivered a message from the convenor Wong Yat-chin who is currently in custody:

"While the regime can imprison us physically, they can never confine our wills and beliefs. No matter how many obstacles are there in front of us, we should continue to forge forward and stand by our beliefs. Wish everyone safe and sound."

The group called on pro-democracy and freedom-loving Honhkongers to never give up, despite the worsening situation:

"As long as there are lights, there will be people; and with people, there is always hope."

#AntiELAB #HongKongProtests #2Years

=====
Related News:

#StudentPoliticism Calls On Citizens to Stay True to the Original Cause on Protest Anniversary
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30064

#Interview with Wong Yat-chin: “I was not born in Hong Kong, but I am willing to die for it”

https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/26874