Teresa Cheng Seeks To Allay Extradition Fears

Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng on Monday told the public not to "dwell on" the wording of the government's decision to "suspend" the extradition bill amendment.

The government announced earlier this month that the legislation was being "suspended" but protesters are continuing to demand that the bill be scrapped completely.

Speaking after a meeting in the legislature, Cheng said the government has already stopped the legislative process, and this should satisfy the public.

"There is no specific timetable (for the bill to return). There is no chance that the government will - out of the blue - suddenly reactivate the whole process, and we all know that next year, by July, the term of the Legislative Council is coming to an end.

"If for whatever reason, the bill lapsed the government will accept that," Cheng said.

Cheng also said people shouldn't make assumptions over whether protesters will be prosecuted, adding that no decision has yet been made.

Some observers have accused the police of violence in dealing with June 12 protests, and protesters have called for an independent commission of inquiry.

However, Cheng said it was best to deal with accusations of police violence through the existing complaints mechanism.