Extradition Refusal Harms Our Reputation: James To

Democratic Party legislator James To said on Wednesday that he was worried Hong Kong could lose its reputation for being a reliable international partner after the US claimed Chief Executive Carrie Lam had turned down an extradition request on Beijing's orders.

The US State Department's latest "Hong Kong Policy Act Report" says instead of handing over the wanted fugitive to America last October, the SAR released the detainee into Beijing's custody.

The report, which offered no details about the wanted person, said this was the first time since 1997 that an extradition request made to the Hong Kong authorities was denied.

It added that Beijing had "provided no information as to the disposition of its own case against the individual."

To said Hong Kong has a duty to follow the extradition agreement made with America and he is concerned that the SAR came under pressure from the mainland authorities.

"This case is a very odd case and unique. I'm a bit worried because Hong Kong has no fugitive rendition agreement with mainland China, so there will not be a formal extradition to the mainland. If there is anything involving politics, or anything other than the criminal elements considerations, then I think it is a very [bad] case," To said.

"It will undermine Hong Kong's image as a responsible international partner under any treaty, not just a rendition agreement."

But New People's Party chairwoman and executive councillor Regina Ip said she sees nothing wrong with the actions of local officials, also appearing to suggest that she knows that the person in question is a Chinese citizen.

"Hong Kong could refuse to hand over a Chinese national if the Central People's Government considers that the case involved concerns national defence, foreign affairs or essential public interest or policy. This person could be handed over to the mainland if the mainland also has jurisdiction and is initiating criminal proceedings," Ip said.

"I believe the Hong Kong government acted in accordance with the law," she said.

The SAR government refused to comment on specific cases, saying only that all decisions were made in strict accordance with the law.

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