Govt Sticks To Its Guns On Extradition: Opposition

Professionals Guild lawmakers who met Security Secretary John Lee on Thursday to discuss planned changes to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance say the government is refusing to budge from its stance despite rising criticism.

The opposition lawmakers quoted Lee as saying that all 46 crimes to be covered under the legislation are recognised internationally as being serious offences.

The lawmakers said the minister reiterated that the changes are needed to plug a legal loophole.

One of those at the meeting, accountancy sector legislator Kenneth Leung, said many business and professional groups have expressed their concerns about people being extradited to the mainland.

He said the government has to remember that they are not tackling just a legal problem, but also a grave political question.

"But I don't think the government has taken on board the political implication of this proposal," he said.