Beijing: China formally detained nine foreign tourists for alleged ties to a terror group after authorities caught them viewing banned videos. The accused include South Africans, Britons and an Indian. The country's foreign ministry said they will be criminally detained and most likely charged and then prosecuted.
“The case is under investigation. China will guarantee the legitimate rights of relevant people in accordance with law, and will continue to provide necessary convenience and assistance to counselor officials of foreign embassies,” the ministry had said when the news caught on worldwide.
As the Foreign Office demanded an explanation from the Chinese authorities, a charity involved in the group’s 47-day tour of ancient China said police had accused the tourists of links to a terror group and of watching banned videos in their hotel room. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, a South African charity working to secure the tourists’ release, said they had probably been watching videos of Islamic prayers during Ramadan, and denied any terror links. Initially, a total of 20 tourists were arrested, and the Chinese authorities agreed to release 11 of them, holding the remaining 9.
Representative from Britain, South Africa and India met together to secure release of the tourists. A British Foreign Office spokeswoman said, “Consular staff have visited the group to provide assistance and we are liaising with Chinese authorities.” The embassy of South Africa declined to comment and an Indian embassy spokesman said he had no information on the matter. Reports in Delhi suggested the Indian national was arrested under article 120 of China’s criminal law governing those who “form, lead or actively participate in a terrorist organisation,” a charge punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The entire situation concluded when Chinese officials released the remaining captive, deporting the Britons and the Indian. Gift of Givers said in a statement, “No charges have been put to the group but the Chinese have been very vague saying that someone in the group has some links to a suspected terror group and that someone has some links to a banned group and that the real reason for the incarceration is that someone was watching propaganda videos in the hotel.”
The 46 year old Indian, Rajiv Kulshrestha's release was propagated by the Indian embassy who kept in close contact with the Chinese government. They were given consular access before his release and were present at the airport during his departure. Kulshrestha's return came only after China had released the British and South African nationals.
