Bid to see prisoners in Shenzhen fails

Three family members of Hongkongers imprisoned on the mainland went to Shenzhen yesterday in the hope of visiting their relatives.

But Shenzhen authorities had said earlier that such visits were halted.

The mothers of Kok Tsz-lun and Li Tsz-yin as well as Li's aunt went to Shenzhen after obtaining negative Covid-19 test results.

Kok and Li were among eight detainees sentenced to seven months in prison for entering mainland waters illegally while heading for Taiwan and were also fined. Two others received longer terms.

Shenzhen prison officials announced on December 15 that it had suspended visits from people outside the mainland.

Ex-lawmaker Eddie Chu Hoi-dick, who has helped the families, said that families must await further information.

"Only three relatives went to the mainland because there is very little information," he said. "The location of where detainees are serving their sentences, dates or families to visit, visiting arrangements - these are unknown."

He added that detention centers in the mainland, government-appointed lawyers and the Hong Kong immigration officers were also unable to answer queries.

On whether relatives will help detainees to appeal, Chu said families could not answer such questions as they were unable to contact the detainees and ask what they wanted.

Of the 10 imprisoned, Tang kai-yin, 31, was given the heaviest sentence of three years for organizing an illegal border crossing.

Quinn Moon, 33, facing the same charge, was jailed for two years.

Chu said the families of Tang and Quinn are worried the two will be in prison beyond Guangdong province.

Former pro-democracy legislator Albert Ho Chun-yan said the sentences given to the 10 fugitives were too heavy because they were only passing by the mainland.

A Security Bureau spokesman said SAR officials are trying to get more information about the mainland's prison visiting arrangements and will notify family members.