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Extradition bill will enable Hong Kong to uphold justice, and built-in safeguards mean fears are unfounded
- The rules under which extradition would be considered are clear-cut and Hong Kong’s judicial independence remains strong
- Not acting on this agreement would jeopardise public safety
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Why you can trust SCMP
The Hong Kong government’s proposal to amend the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance has aroused considerable concern in some quarters.
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Some fear it might affect Hong Kong businessmen doing business on the mainland. Others contend that it might erode overseas investors’ confidence in Hong Kong and put at risk the integrity of “one country, two systems”. Those who subscribe to the conspiracy theory resist the proposal as politically motivated.
These concerns and misgivings are simply unfounded and unwarranted. Let me clear the air and debunk the myth which apparently stems from misunderstanding and misapprehension.
The fact is that there is absolutely no hidden agenda behind the proposal. Nor is it tailor-made for the mainland. In fact, the system of surrender of fugitive offenders in Hong Kong and the proposed case-based surrender of fugitives is formulated with reference to the United Nations model and accords with international practice. It does not pinpoint any particular jurisdiction, and applies equally to all jurisdictions which do not have long-term agreements with Hong Kong.
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I must stress that the Hong Kong government attaches the utmost importance to the protection of human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. They are our core values and underpin our long-term stability and prosperity. We will fiercely protect them.
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