Hong Kong national security police have arrested four people, aged 15 to 47, for allegedly conspiring to subvert state power through a Taiwan-based group that advocates for the city’s independence.
Steve Li, chief superintendent of the force’s National Security Department, said on Thursday that the four male suspects were linked to the group, the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union, which was established in Taiwan in November.
The four held different positions in the group, including party secretary, council member, and general members, according to Li.
They were arrested on Wednesday, and their digital devices indicated their activities in Hong Kong, Li said.
Police also found “a proposal urging the US to draft a plan for the rescue of political prisoners in Hong Kong, as well as flags that signify the secession of the country, including those for the independence of Hong Kong, Tibet, Guangdong, and Xinjiang,” Li said in Cantonese.
In February, the organisation held an online press conference in Taipei, during which its members outlined the group’s action plan, including the “obliteration” of the Chinese Communist Party and the “liberation” of Hong Kong, he said.
The group also suggested setting up a temporary national flag and anthem and requested assistance from foreign countries, as well as providing military training for overseas Hongkongers, he added.
On July 1, the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from Britain to China, the group held an event outside Hong Kong, during which participants trampled China’s and Hong Kong’s flags, Li said.
The participants also hoisted a black bauhinia flag and played the protest anthem Glory to Hong Kong, he added.
The black bauhinia flag and Glory to Hong Kong gained popularity during the pro-democracy protests and unrest in 2019. Authorities have said both elements were capable of endangering national security.
Li said the arrest demonstrated the presence of overseas organisations that promote messages endangering national security.
“They even directed their followers in Hong Kong to conduct subversive acts,” he said.
He also said the arrest of the 15-year-old boy highlighted the responsibility of parents to be watchful over their children’s friends and online acquaintances.
Li declined to comment on operational details and whether there would be further arrests.
The group’s Facebook page had 76 followers and was last updated on Tuesday, according to an HKFP search at 5pm on Thursday.
One of its posts called for a flash mob protest in Taipei’s shopping district Ximending on July 1 to raise a black flag.
