Lam Cheuk-ting Makes Anti-extradition Clarion Call

Democratic Party lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting is calling for people to join a mass protest on June 9 against the government's controversial changes to the extradition law, that critics say could lead to activists being sent across the border for trial.

Speaking on RTHK's Letter to Hong Kong, Lam said people need to show pro-establishment lawmakers how angry they are.

"I hope the pro-establishment camp will not dig their own grave and drag everyone in Hong Kong down with them by supporting this bill," he said. "I hereby sincerely urge all Hong Kong residents, expats, businessmen, and foreigners living in Hong Kong to join the rally on June 9 for all to express our concerns about the bill, in the hope that our pro-establishment Legislative Councillors can see how angry and worried we all are with the bill and will then vote it down.

Lam also said he wanted the international chambers of commerce and foreign governments to continue to put pressure on both the Hong Kong and central governments not to pass the bill.

The Chief Executive Carrie Lam has refused to withdraw the proposal, which would allow the transfer of fugitives to anywhere in the world, including mainland China, Taiwan and Macau. Beijing has also thrown its support behind the bill.

The government says the law is needed to close a loophole that has prevented the extradition of a Hong Kong man, who is wanted in Taiwan for murder. It says extradition will be on a case-by-case basis and there are safeguards, such the Chief Executive having to sign off on any approval. It has also hinted that any request from the mainland will have to come from the Supreme Court or an authority of a similar status.

Both the US and the EU have said they are concerned by the law leading to a diplomatic spat, which has seen Beijing strongly backing the SAR government's stance.