No Hidden Agenda Behind Fugitive Law Changes: CS

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung said on Sunday there is no "hidden agenda" behind the government's proposed changes to the city's extradition laws.

Writing on his blog, he denied allegations that the proposal was “tailor made” for sending fugitives to the mainland, adding that there is no “political purpose” for the changes.

Cheung urged lawmakers to scrutinise the amendments in a practical and rational manner.

He was writing after a day of chaos in the Legislative Council as lawmakers scuffled over control of the bills committee studying the extradition laws. The committee is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday morning.

The government's proposal would allow them to negotiate, on a case by case basis, the extradition of fugitives to places that Hong Kong does not already have an agreement with, including the mainland and Taiwan.

Supporters of the plan say the changes would close a loophole that allows criminals to seek refuge in the city, pointing to the case of a Hong Kong man who cannot currently be extradited to Taiwan, where he is wanted for murder.

But critics say the amendments could see activists being sent on vague charges to the mainland, where they face unfair trials and human rights abuses.