Letters | Seven myths about the Hong Kong extradition bill

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Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, along with security chief John Lee Ka-chiu (left) and transport and housing chief Frank Chan Fan, holds a press conference on cross-harbour tunnel tolls, the Sha Tin-Central rail link, and proposed amendments to extradition laws, at the government headquarters in Admiralty on March 26. The third item on the agenda was to throw Hong Kong into turmoil just two months later. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 8:00am, 22 Jun 2019Updated: 11:27am, 24 Jun 2019

This letter aims to debunk some myths espoused by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor in her extradition bill suspension speech.

First, the extradition “loophole” myth. The original exclusion of mainland China from Hong Kong’s extradition law was deliberate and seen as necessary, the reason being people’s lack of trust in the mainland judicial system.

Second, the “no workable arrangement” myth. Technically, the more than 170 jurisdictions with which Hong Kong has no extradition treaty can issue direct extradition requests, albeit on a case-by-case basis.

Third, the murder case wrangling: discussions revolving around the “Taiwan murder case” initially presented as the raison d’etre for the bill have led to nothing but a political labyrinth.

Fourth, the general unwillingness to acknowledge pro-democratic elements in Hong Kong society in her speech. Lam refused a conclave with pro-democratic Legislative Council members in April. Moreover, she explicitly thanked the pro-establishment legislators and did not mention the pro-democratic camp. Instead, she thanked “people and organisations who have expressed their views”.

Fifth, nine categories of offences have been taken off a list of 46 that could trigger surrender. However, those removed were mostly corporate crimes, including taxes, pollution and intellectual property. The remaining 37 crimes – that is, 35 crimes and the conspiracy for/ aiding of said crimes – could still be used by the central government as political leverage.

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Letters | Seven myths about the Hong Kong extradition bill