Govt Warned Over Raising Asylum Issue With Germany

The deputy chairman of Legco's security panel, James To, has warned the government against making a formal extradition request to Germany for the two activists granted asylum there, saying the move could boomerang on the Hong Kong authorities.

Right now according to the German system, they don't publicise the reasons for granting asylum to applicants. But if the Carrie Lam administration makes a public request, then they will have to respond publicly detailing their concern about deteriorating conditions in Hong Kong, the opposition lawmaker warned.

"But if you insist ... then the other side will unavoidably put on record that according to the German law they've come to certain conclusions because of your varying situation, deteriorating human rights situation or make any uncomfortable accusation that Hong Kong would not like to hear," he said.

The Democratic Party lawmaker also rejected claims by pro-government lawmaker Priscilla Leung that Germany's decision was a political one.

To said that the decision was made by a board that is linked to the country's judicial system, and not just by a political group.

The lawmaker told RTHK's Kelvin Ng that even though there have only been a couple of asylum cases so far involving Hongkongers, the fact that they were made in a leading country in Europe means the reputation of Hong Kong and its courts have been affected.

On Wednesday, international media reported that pro-democracy activists Ray Wong and Alan Li were granted refugee protection in Germany last year. The pair had both skipped bail after being charged over the 2016 Mong Kok riot.