Families of HK detained lament 'unfair' China trial

Supporters of 12 Hong Kong residents accused of trying to flee the territory illegally denounced their court hearing Monday as a "secret trial".

The trials opened earlier Monday in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, close to the Hong Kong border.

They're accused of attempting to escape by speedboat after Beijing imposed a new security law on Hong Kong.

The defendants face charges of illegally crossing the border, while two face additional charges of organizing the attempt.

Ten of them went on trial Monday, while separate hearings are expected for two minors who were also aboard the speedboat.

The vessel was apparently heading for Taiwan when it was stopped by the Chinese coast guard on Aug. 23

Relatives and supporters of the defendants said the trial was over and that verdicts would be handed down later.

The defendants can be sentenced to up to a year in prison for crossing the border and seven years for organizing the trip.