The release of eight of the twelve HK youths is a bittersweet moment for Hong Kong

Today, eight of the twelve Hong Kongers who have been detained in Shenzhen since August 2020 have been returned to Hong Kong. They are among the twelve Hong Kongers who were caught fleeing to Taiwan by boat last summer.

Among those released, include Andy Li, who was previously arrested under the National Security Law. Two minors who were part of the twelve were returned to Hong Kong back in December, while Tang Kai-yin and Quinn Moon, who were sentenced to three and two years, respectively, remain in Shenzhen.

During their detention, the twelve have been denied access to lawyers appointed by their families, proscribed medication, and stopped from directly contacting their families.

Commenting of the return of the eight Hong Kongers from Shenzhen, Johnny Patterson, Hong Kong Watch’s Director of Policy said:

“This is a bittersweet moment for Hong Kong. We welcome the return of eight of the twelve to Hong Kong, but reiterate our call that all twelve should be released back to Hong Kong. Those returning have an uncertain future ahead, with some facing trial and jail under the National Security Law. It's a case of out of the frying pan, into the fire.

The appalling ordeal which these young people have faced shines a spotlight on the draconian new normal in Hong Kong. The National Security Law is so harsh and all-encompassing that these Hong Kongers felt pushed to leave by any means possible. The shattering of human rights safeguards is already having severe consequences."