Hong Kong is considering changing the law on transferring fugitives – so how are extraditions dealt with now, and why are there no deals with mainland China, Taiwan and Macau?
- If proposal becomes law, there will be an extradition arrangement between Hong Kong and the mainland for the first time
- But legal experts caution such a change could also affect existing arrangements with other jurisdictions
Hong Kong is considering allowing the reciprocal transfer of fugitives with mainland China, Taiwan and Macau, on a case-by-case basis.
The proposal by the Security Bureau is the latest response to a high-profile case in Taiwan, involving a Hongkonger accused by the authorities there of murdering his pregnant girlfriend last February before fleeing to Hong Kong.
Chan Tong-kai, 19, was arrested in Hong Kong, but is facing charges related only to having his dead girlfriend’s bank card, cash and other possessions.
He has not been sent to Taiwan, despite requests from the authorities there, because there is no formal extradition agreement between the two places.
If the bureau’s proposal becomes law, there will be an extradition arrangement between Hong Kong and the mainland for the first time. Legal experts caution that such a change could also affect existing extradition arrangements with other jurisdictions.
How are extradition requests handled now?