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New head of top Hong Kong legal body wants government to amend national security law so countries will reinstate extradition agreements
- Paul Harris elected as new chairman of city’s Bar Association on Thursday
- Veteran human rights barrister pledges to strengthen rule of law in Hong Kong
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The new chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association wants the government to amend the sweeping national security law to convince countries to reinstate their extradition agreements with the city.
Paul Harris SC, a veteran human rights barrister, expressed concern that some of the provisions of the new security legislation, imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong in late June last year, appeared at odds with rights guaranteed under the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution.
He also pledged to do his best to strengthen the rule of law, which he described as having “a difficult time” in Hong Kong.
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Harris was elected unopposed on Thursday as the association’s new chairman, succeeding Philip Dykes, who was in the role for three years. Harris will be assisted by two deputies, Anita Yip and Erik Shum Sze-man.
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Hong Kong national security law has ‘chilling effect’ on freedoms, says UN human rights chief
Hong Kong national security law has ‘chilling effect’ on freedoms, says UN human rights chief
Upon his election, Harris said he would campaign for changes to the national security law because the suspension of extradition agreements would make it easier for fugitives to move around.
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