Shenzhen authorities return 2 minor fugitives to HK, no prosecution

Shenzhen authorities announced Wednesday they had decided not to prosecute two minors among 12 Hong Kong fugitives detained by the Chinese mainland coastguard in August for illegal border crossing.

Liu Tsz-man and Hoang Lam-phuc have been returned to Hong Kong Police Force.

They have pleaded guilty to crossing the border with the Chinese mainland illegally after an investigation and closed-door hearings in Shenzhen, according to a statement by Yantian People's Procuratorate in Shenzhen.

Hoang is facing charges in Hong Kong related to attempted arson with intent and possession of offensive weapons in a public place. Liu was charged with conspiracy to commit arson and possessing anything with intent to destroy or damage property.

All 12 fugitives are facing charges in Hong Kong related to last year's anti-government protests.

On August 23, the 12 boarded a speedboat at the pier of Po Toi O in Sai Kung and headed toward Taiwan in an apparent attempt to evade prosecution in Hong Kong. Their vessel was intercepted by the mainland coastguard shortly after leaving Hong Kong waters.