European Union voices concern over Hong Kong’s plan to allow extraditions to mainland China
- The 28-member bloc becomes first foreign governmental body to officially air worries over Security Bureau’s plan
- Cites ‘effect amendments could have on EU citizens, either residing in Hong Kong or passing through’
The European Union has voiced concerns about a Hong Kong government proposal to allow fugitives to be handed over to mainland China.
It said officials should get a better idea of the public view on the sensitive issue before moving ahead, and that it was worried about the potential impact on citizens living in or visiting the city.
The 28-member bloc was the first foreign governmental body to officially air worries over the plan. The Security Bureau intends to amend the current laws to allow the transfer of fugitives on a case-by-case basis to mainland China and all other jurisdictions with which the city lacks an extradition deal.
“We are concerned about the effect amendments could have on EU citizens, either residing in Hong Kong or passing through it, and about the possibility of the re-surrender of fugitives,” an EU spokesman said on Friday.
“Satisfactory safeguards should be enforced in case of ad hoc extradition. We have conveyed our concerns to the Hong Kong authorities.”