<span style="color: #222222;">The trial of a group of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists began in the southern city of Shenzhen in China today. The Chinese authorities took them into custody after they tried to escape to Taiwan from Hong Kong by speedboat on 23rd of August. They were arrested on charges linked to an illegal border crossing. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The hearing was closed to foreign reporters and diplomats but the court said in a statement that both prosecution and defence lawyers spoke. Court was adjourned with no verdict.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Two of the 12 dissidents are underage and will face private hearings on a separate date. <br />''</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Meanwhile, hours before the trial started, the US Embassy in China urged for immediate release of the activists.</span><br />''