Pan-dems Disrupt Reading Of 'evil' Fugitives Bill

There were protests inside and outside Legco on Wednesday, as the government introduced a highly controversial bill amending legislation on extraditions for its first and second readings.

Calls for a headcount accompanied by a walk-out by the opposition delayed the proceedings for a short while, and when Security Secretary John Lee finally managed to start his speech introducing the controversial bill, he was repeatedly interrupted by shouts of "Withdraw the evil law!"

Lee soldiered on though, ignoring numerous calls from pro-democracy councillors for clarifications on the bill, including whether it violates the Basic Law or the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.

He said officials would give detailed explanations on various points during meetings of a bills committee to be set up on the legislation.

Earlier, rival groups staged protests outside Legco and the government's headquarters in support and opposition of the planned changes to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance.

Several dozen pro-democracy activists warned that the new legislation will infringe upon the rights of everyone in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, two pro-Beijing outfits rallied to back the legal amendments, which will allow Hong Kong to arrange one-off extraditions with any jurisdictions in the world.

Members of the Treasure Group warned that without the new legislation, the SAR would become "a hotbed of crime", while Real Hongkongers’ View said the law could make Hong Kong the safest city on earth.

The convenor of Real Hongkongers’ view, Jason Lam, said China has extradition treaties with many jurisdictions across the world and there is no reason why Hong Kong shouldn't also surrender wanted people to the mainland authorities.

The bill now moves to the House Committee which will set up a bills committee to scrutinise the legislation. Pro-government lawmaker Paul Tse has already expressed an interest in chairing the bills committee.