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The activists were formally arrested on Wednesday, according to the Hong Kong Free Press. The charges were filed a day before China’s National Day. For the celebration, strict security measures were implemented in the region due to the protests.
The activists were captured after leaving the coast of Hong Kong, 70 kilometers southeast of the city.
They were then handed over to the police forces in Shenzhen, China.
According to the activists’ families and lawyers, authorities did not provide much information about the arrests until they filed formal charges for illegally crossing the border.
Two of the arrested suspects were charged with helping the others “escape” from Hong Kong.
Since Beijing enforced a national security law earlier this year in the autonomous city, more people have left Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s new security law criminalizes any act of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces.
The number of Hong Kong residents seeking residency in Taiwan rose to 892 in July after the security law was implemented, according to the National Taiwan Immigration Agency.
The increase in people who tried to leave Hong Kong for Taiwan in July was the highest number this year.
READ MORE: Taiwanese residents can ‘feel’ rising tensions in China amid military exercises
China on Thursday celebrated its national day commemorating the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
More than 60 people were arrested Thursday in Hong Kong after small crowds emerged to protest the celebration.
The protesters were arrested in Causeway Bay and charged with participating in an unauthorized assembly, according to police.
On Thursday, Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, said her government would not be intimidated by international sanctions imposed in response to the national security law.
She said: “Over the past three months, the plain truth is – and it is obvious to see – that stability has been restored to society while safeguarding national security, and our people can continue to enjoy their basic rights and freedoms of in accordance with the law.
“Therefore, no matter how severe some foreign governments, with double standards, will launch unjustified accusations against the authorities in charge of implementing the national security law, or aggressively impose more sanctions against the HKSAR. [Hong Kong special administrative region] officials responsible for safeguarding national security.
“My relevant colleagues and I will continue to fulfill our duty to safeguard national security in accordance with the law without fear or anxiety.”
Many activists called for the release of the 12 Hong Kongers who were allegedly caught fleeing to Taiwan.
The Hong Kong government declined to intervene in the case, saying the group, which included a 16-year-old boy, should face mainland justice.
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