Seven Hong Kong 'speedboat fugitives' jailed over Taiwan escape bid

A file photo showing one of the 12 Hong Kong activists who were detained in mainland China for an illegal border crossing arriving at Tin Shui Wai police station in Hong Kong, March 22, 2021. - Reuters

HONG KONG (AFP): Hong Kong jailed seven people who were part of a failed 2020 attempt to flee to Taiwan by speedboat to dodge protest-related prosecutions.

The seven, aged between 19 and 32, were sentenced to 10 months in prison for perverting the course of public justice - the first time in Hong Kong that the charge has been applied to absconding fugitives.