Mainland Officials Back Rendition Law Change

A deputy head of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong, Chen Dong, has said there’s an urgent need and ample legal basis for the SAR government to amend its extradition laws.

Speaking at a Basic Law seminar on Saturday, Chen said he respects the difference between the “two systems”, but there was a need to plug the legal loophole and improve mutual legal assistance, so that Hong Kong and the mainland can work together to uphold the rule of law and justice.

A Basic Law Committee deputy head, Zhang Yung, also expressed support for the SAR government’s move.

He said the amendment should be done as soon as possible, so that Hong Kong will not become a safe haven for criminals.

The law changes will allow Hong Kong to reach one-off extradition deals with any jurisdiction, including mainland.

But pro-democracy campaigners say suspects’ human rights cannot be guaranteed if they are sent back.