Analysis: Debate over Hong Kong’s proposed extradition law devolves into a scuffle in the legislative council
A heated legislative council session on Saturday sent Hong Kong lawmaker Gary Fan, left, to the hospital after a scuffle with pro-government lawmakers. By Michael C. Davis May 11 at 12:21 PM Fights broke out Saturday in the Legislative Council of Hong Kong as lawmakers debated an extradition measure that would allow transfer of criminal offenders to face charges in mainland China.
In arguing for the measure, the government has cited the recent case of Tong-Kai Chan, who fled to Hong Kong after killing his girlfriend in Taiwan over an alleged affair, and could go free if not extradited to Taiwan. But it’s not clear why this one case would justify the drastic overhaul. These legal gaps remain largely in place two decades later, and the two governments thus far have failed to reach an extradition agreement. The mainland system often ignores human rights and the rule of law and includes a number of laws that restrict basic freedoms. Global rankings for freedom and the rule of law demonstrate the difference: Hong Kong ranked 16 and China 82 out of 116 countries on rule of law, for instance.
The extradition proposal has already caused one local resident at risk to flee Hong Kong. In late 2015, bookseller Wing-Kee Lam was arrested while visiting neighboring Shenzhen, China. Months later, Chinese officials sent him back to Hong Kong, ostensibly to collect evidence. But Lam refused to return to the mainland. He recently moved to Taiwan, claiming it would no longer be safe for him in Hong Kong.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Derby debate: Trump goes all in for Maximum SecurityThe president weighed in on Saturday’s stunning Kentucky Derby controversy, coming down firmly in favor of the disqualified horse, Maximum Security
Read more »
‘An existential threat’: Desperate drive to make the debate stage shakes Dem campaignsPresidential campaigns are resorting to unusual tactics to qualify for the Democratic debate stage thanks to the new donor threshold.
Read more »
Desperate drive to make the debate stage shakes Dem campaignsPresidential campaigns are resorting to unusual tactics to qualify for the Democratic debate stage thanks to the new donor threshold.
Read more »
Google facial recognition technology brings privacy debate into the homeGoogle has used its annual developer conference to unveil a “smart display” that uses facial recognition to offer users personalised information, from messages and calendar entries to recommendations of music and videos.
Read more »
Proposed tobacco ban sparks fiery debate in Beverly HillsBeverly Hills could become the first city in the U.S. to outlaw the sale of tobacco products.
Read more »
Watch: Seth Meyers and Meghan McCain clash in awkward debate over Ilhan Omar and anti-Semitism'You’re asking her to be careful about her language and I’d ask everyone to be careful about theirs,' Meyers said.
Read more »
‘We don’t want another messiah’: Newly vocal Ethiopians debate an uncertain futureEthiopians debate upcoming elections, fears over ethnic unrest and the reformist prime minister's administration.
Read more »