Basic Law Expert Backs Fugitive Law Changes

A local delegate to the mainland's top advisory body, Alan Hoo, said on Wednesday that he agrees that the SAR government should raise the punishment threshold of crimes extraditable in its extradition laws bill.

"Three years [in prison] is at the very low end of the spectrum," he said. "In this respect, we strongly recommend that the threshold should be increased to, at least five, preferably seven years or upwards."

The legal expert was speaking a day after Security Secretary John Lee told the media that officials are considering allowing the transfer of fugitives accused of committing offences that are punishable by at least seven years behind bars – up from the minimum of just three years currently stated in the bill.

Hoo also said while foreign consuls are free to make representations on the issue, they should not try to stall the legislative process.

"When a law is needed by a country, I don't think it depends on what the foreign community thinks. It's a law for that country, that area. They have to respect our legislative integrity," Hoo said. "You can make representations, but you mustn't go and interfere".

Hoo, also the chairman of the Basic Law Institute, told RTHK's Candice Wong that as it is a voluntary law change that Hong Kong is making, and not a bilateral treaty, more safeguards can be built into the system.