Editorial | The law must guide case of the 12 Hong Kong fugitives held in mainland China
- It is in the interest of all that the case of the Hongkongers held on the mainland after fleeing the city be resolved transparently in accordance with the law and with the legitimate rights of the accused respected
The row over 12 Hong Kong criminal suspects held across the border continues to draw local and international concern. Nearly two month have passed since the news came to light but there appears to be no progress other than volleys of criticism or defence from their sympathisers and the government.
It is important that the rights of the accused be fully respected and that the case can be satisfactorily resolved in accordance with the law and established practices.
That the government has refused to ask mainland authorities to hand back the fugitives is unsurprising. Officials are adamant that the 12, who are facing different charges in connection with last year’s social unrest and other cases, have breached mainland law and must therefore go through the relevant procedures there.
Security chief John Lee Ka-chiu took it further on Wednesday, saying that asking for their return would encourage more suspects to abscond.
02:58
Family of 12 detained Hongkongers say government lied about capture
The government, he said, would not give in to opposition claims, referring to accusations that the Government Flying Service had under police orders conducted surveillance when the suspects allegedly fled for Taiwan in late August.