The three were charged with assisting an overseas intelligence service and foreign interference, in violation of the National Security Act 2023.
The high profile case has drawn questions about the work of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London where Yuen serves as an office manager.
On Hong Kong’s Reddit-like forum LIHKG, two posts covering the overnight breaking news had 754 and 428 upvotes respectively as of Wednesday morning, sparking speculation about what exactly happened.
“Only the dead can keep secrets,” several users commented in the discussion thread.
In a statement quoted by British media, Trickett’s family asked for privacy.
“We are mourning the loss of a much-loved son, brother, and family member. We would be grateful if the press would respect our privacy at this difficult time and refrain from intruding on our grief,” they said.
Trickett’s solicitor Julian Hayes said that the defence team were “naturally shocked” at the news and were supporting his family “as best we can”.
He declined to provide further comments as investigations were under way.
In Hong Kong, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan Pak-li refused to comment on “rumours” circulating online regarding the London case.
“I will not comment here on some rumours, speculation, or even some nonsense accusations that are being circulated or posted on the internet,” said Chan, referring to details related to the Economic and Trade Office in London.
He emphasised that the role of these trade offices was to liaise with different members of the local communities they were based in to boost the city’s relations with these respective regions in terms of commerce, trade, investment, and arts and culture.
“Going ahead, our colleagues at the Economic and Trade Offices would continue to carry out their duties to promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages and tell good Hong Kong stories fearlessly, without bias and legally,” he said.
The Hong Kong government previously said it was requesting more details from the British consulate in the city.
