Families of the 12 Hongkongers detained in mainland China petitioned the Hong Kong Immigration Department on Monday, asking for help in attending the trial.

The wife of Wong Wai-yin and father of Lee Chi-yin represented all the families at a meeting with Immigration Department officers. They read their petition letter aloud, saying that some family members of the 12 plan to attend the trial.

The 12 Hongkongers were intercepted and detained by mainland police as they tried to flee to Taiwan by boat in August.

But the families are worried that authorities will prevent their attending the trial as a COVID-19 precaution, and that it will become a secret trial. The relatives urged Chinese authorities to open the trial to the public.

They asked authorities to notify the families of the trial date at least 20 days in advance, providing enough time for the required two-week quarantine. The families have asked for alternative arrangements, such as taking a virus test instead of the two-week quarantine.

The petitioners have asked for access to the statement of charges against the 12 as well as the minutes of relevant meetings. They also want the list of prosecutors and jurors to be made public, and for the names of, and means of contacting, the lawyers assigned to represent the 12.

The families also want to hire their own defense lawyers, and hope the Hong Kong government will send representatives to accompany them at the trial.

Ten of the 12 Hongkongers were charged last week after nearly four months in detention. Two were charged with organizing an illegal border crossing while eight were accused of crossing the border illegally. A closed-door hearing will be arranged for the remaining two minors before charges are laid against them.

Lee’s father said he has sent many letters to his son that have obviously failed to reach him. He explained that his son has written and asked why he has not heard from his relatives.

Wong Wai-yin’s wife said she has lost contact with the lawyer assigned by authorities to represent her husband. She hopes the Immigration Department will help in delivering her letters to her husband, she said.

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