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Monday, August 03, 2020, 22:43
HKSAR halts extradition deal with New Zealand
By Wang Zhan
Monday, August 03, 2020, 22:43 By Wang Zhan

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government said the city is suspending extradition and judiciary assistance agreements with New Zealand in accordance with the instruction of the central government. 

In a statement issued on Monday evening, a spokesman for the HKSAR government spokesman said it strongly objected to the decision of New Zealand to unilaterally suspend the agreement on surrender of fugitive offenders with the HKSAR using the enactment of the National Security Law in Hong Kong as an excuse. 

ALSO READ: China suspends 3 extradition treaties

“The move by New Zealand smacks of political manipulation and double standards. It is also gross interference in China's internal affairs and a grave violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations,” the spokesman was quoted in the statement as saying.

“It has politicized juridical co-operation, thereby seriously damaging the basis of juridical co-operation between the HKSAR and New Zealand,” he added.

The move by New Zealand smacks of political manipulation and double standards. It is also gross interference in China's internal affairs and a grave violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations. 

Spokesman, HKSAR governemnt

The spokesman said that is an international practice to safeguard national security through enactment of laws, adding that New Zealand has put in place relevant legislation and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding its national security and sovereignty, such as the Intelligence and Security Act and the Crimes Act 1961.

ALSO READ: HKSAR govt slams unilateral NZ suspension of extradition treaty

Notwithstanding the suspension of the Agreement for the Surrender of Accused and Convicted Persons between the HKSAR Government and the Government of New Zealand and the Agreement between the HKSAR Government and the Government of New Zealand Concerning Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, the HKSAR has established a comprehensive co-operation regime for the surrender of fugitives and mutual legal assistance. 

The HKSAR government will always uphold the principle of mutual assistance and reciprocity, and carry out law enforcement co-operation with other members of the international community in accordance with the law, according to the statement.

READ MORE: HKSAR govt slams UK for suspending extradition treaty


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