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Hong Kong Lawyers Navigate New Legal Terrain Under National Security Law

Tommy Walker

   HONG KONG - The aftermath of the 12 Hong Kong activists who fled the
   city and were detained in Mainland China continued last week, with the
   release of Hong Kong lawyer Daniel Wong Kwok-tung after 40 hours in
   police custody.

   Wong, 71, was arrested along with 10 others over allegedly helping Hong
   Kong activists flee the city in August. Wong told a local media news
   conference he was "perplexed" about why he was arrested.

   "I will remain standing in my role, with my expertise, do what I ought
   to and what I deeply believe in," Wong said as he was released on bail.

   On August 23, 12 Hong Kong activists facing criminal investigations in
   relation to anti-government protests, were detained at sea by Chinese
   authorities under suspicion of illegal border crossing after attempting
   to flee Hong Kong by boat for Taiwan. All were taken into detention in
   mainland China.

   On December 30, ten of the twelve activists were sentenced to jail
   terms in Shenzhen, China, ranging from seven months to three years
   imprisonment. The two youngest detainees were sent back to Hong Kong.

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