Protest shows fears over extradition law must be addressed

In the biggest turnout since the Occupy movement in 2014, tens of thousands of Hongkongers took to the streets on Sunday to protest against a bill that would allow the transfer of fugitives to the mainland. The scene was also reminiscent of the landmark demonstration on July 1, 2003, when an estimated 500,000 people marched to express their discontent, particularly at a national security law being pushed by the government. The size of the crowds may have been different, but the underlying reasons of those taking part were similar. They were worried that rights and liberties safeguarded under the “one country, two systems” formula would be eroded. Now, every effort must be made to ease tensions and avoid a further backlash.

As usual, there was a big difference in turnout figures provided by organisers and police. Be they 130,000 or 22,800, the protest was the largest in recent years. Momentum was probably buoyed by the sentencing of key Occupy leaders last week, but there are valid concerns with the bill. Proposals from lawmakers and legal professionals, such as excluding local people from being sent back to the mainland for trial or empowering Hong Kong courts to rule on extraterritorial cases, as well as others from business leaders, have yet to be taken on board for further consideration.

The government has made use of public sympathy over a suspected murder case in Taiwan to introduce a law, which it says will plug the extradition loophole with the mainland, Taiwan and Macau. Chan Tong-kai fled Taiwan after allegedly killing his pregnant girlfriend last year, but was arrested for money-laundering offences for which he was yesterday jailed for 29 months by a Hong Kong court. However, since Chan has already been detained for 13 months, he may be released as early as October and officials warn he could escape extradition if the law is not ready soon.

In question is not just whether those returned to the mainland will face a fair trial. Despite assurances that city courts can act as gatekeepers, there are worries local people may be arbitrarily sent back and punished for some dubious crime. The bill has stoked fears that a back door is being created, undermining trust in the safeguards provided under one country, two systems.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor yesterday pledged to better address people’s concerns during the legislative process. But her tone does not reflect the urgency expected of a city leader following a major protest. Whether there are enough votes to pass the bill remains to be seen, but the negative sentiment may escalate in the run-up to the annual July 1 march if people feel their worries are being brushed aside. The stakes are too high for the bill to be rushed through without fully addressing concerns raised by different sectors.