Extradition Channels Already Exist: Civic Party

Civic Party leader Alvin Yeung has warned that a government proposal to allow one-off extraditions to the mainland is a cause for concern, despite a former justice secretary saying there's nothing to worry about.

Elsie Leung had said that concerns over the proposal are absurd, as even so-called hostile governments such as Beijing and Taipei can make deals on the transfer of fugitives.

But Yeung said the deal between the two was struck between two semi-official organisations.

He says that's exactly what the SAR should do to handle a recent Taiwan murder case in which a Hong Kong suspect cannot be returned to island, which the government has cited as the need for the new extradition law.

"There's a platform between Hong Kong and Taipei that is outside government, and that is the best platform to get something done.

"Right now we don't see any determination by the Hong Kong government to get anything constructive. Instead you can see from the Mainland Affairs Council in Taiwan, they have made it so clear they oppose what we are doing right now in Hong Kong.

"If Hong Kong wishes to bring justice to the victim's family, the best way is to go through the platform between Taipei and Hong Kong outside the government structure."

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s former archbishop, Joseph Zen, said the religious community will be at risk if the extradition law is passed:

“ I think anybody who thinks he may express some opinion against the Communist regime, he may be in danger,” Zen said. “I think it is absolutely foolish to push for such a legislation.”

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