Hong Kong 12 who fled by boat for Taiwan held in 'criminal detention' by China

Beijing confirms for first time they are likely to face criminal charges, as foreign ministry accuses them of separatism

Chinese authorities have confirmed the criminal detention of 12 Hongkongers accused of attempting to travel illegally to Taiwan by boat last month, a group the foreign ministry in Beijing has labelled separatists.

The 12 people, aged 16 to 33, were under compulsory criminal detention" in accordance with Chinese law for illegally crossing the border, a statement from the public security bureau in Shenzhen read on Sunday. It said they were arrested on 23 August.