Don't Rush To Judgement Over Rendition: Ronny Tong

Executive Councillor Ronny Tong has called on pan-democrats not to jump to conclusions about a planned planned change in rendition laws, urging them to approach it from a “social justice” and “rule of law” perspective.

Under the proposal, the Hong Kong government would adopt a one-off, case-by-case approach to the handing over of fugitives to jurisdictions with which Hong Kong has not got an extradition agreement, including the mainland and Taiwan.

Critics have expressed concern that the proposal legal changes may be abused, for example, political dissidents in Hong Kong may be surrendered to the mainland.

But speaking on a radio programme, Tong said there would be a high threshold required to transfer a suspect, and there were already enough safeguards in place to prevent the law from being misused.

He added that he was "infuriated" by criticism that Hong Kong court might bow to pressure from Beijing, saying we should have faith in the SAR's judicial system.

"There are very many stringent requirements to be satisfied before someone can be extradited. We should trust our own judiciary, our own judges. They have the responsibility to apply the law properly – and there is no reason to suggest that they won't," Tong said.

Hong Kong officials say the changes are aimed at plugging a loophole in current laws and helping the family of a Hong Kong woman who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend in Taipei last year.

The young man came back to Hong Kong after the alleged killing, but the SAR government could not hand him over to Taiwan authorities under current laws.

Tong warned that the suspect in this crime might be released as early as May or June, if the amendment is not passed.

"No administration would want their jurisdiction to become a hotbed for criminals," he said.

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