Taiwan asks Hong Kong to hand over fugitive murder suspect Chan Tong-kai after U-turn on request for formal talks
- Authorities in Taipei insist they were not playing politics and say they hope city authorities will help ensure suspect stands trial
- Chan is accused of killing pregnant girlfriend on island in early 2018 in case that prompted Hong Kong to propose ill-fated extradition bill
Taiwan has made a surprise reversal of its earlier decision not to accept murder suspect Chan Tong-kai from Hong Kong.
Speaking at a press conference in Taipei on Tuesday, Chiu Chui-cheng, vice-chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, said the island had sought help from Hong Kong to bring Chan back for trial after he is released on Wednesday.
Chiu said the Taiwan authorities had sent a letter to their Hong Kong counterparts through existing communication channels, asking for help in obtaining a confession made in Hong Kong as well as the suspect.
Chan is wanted in connection with the killing of his pregnant girlfriend, Poon Hiu-wing, in February 2018.
The 20-year-old student fled to Hong Kong after the killing, and is due to be released on Wednesday following 19 months behind bars on related money-laundering charges.
“We are waiting for the response from the Hong Kong government,” Chiu said. “If the Hong Kong side gives up their jurisdiction and confirms this cannot be reversed, then Taiwan will handle the case.”