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Wednesday, October 23, 2019, 01:29
Taiwan's refusal of Chan's self-surrender draws fire
By Joseph Li
Wednesday, October 23, 2019, 01:29 By Joseph Li

Lai Tung-kwok, former secretary for security of Hong Kong, comments on Hong Kong’s current unstable situation in an interview with China Daily. He also expressed regret over Taiwan’s refusal to accept the surrender of a fugitive murder suspect, calling it a poticially motivated decision. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

It is unthinkable that Taiwan would reject the voluntary surrender of Hong Kong citizen Chan Tong-kai, who admitted to killing his girlfriend in Taiwan last year, former secretary for security Lai Tung-kwok said.

Chan’s case triggered the Hong Kong SAR government’s proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance. He is set to be released from Hong Kong prison on Wednesday after serving a prison term for money laundering.

Chan, after persuasion by Peter Douglas Koon Ho-ming, provincial secretary general of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (the Anglican Church), on Friday agreed to surrender himself to Taiwan authorities and face trial.

This will be a very heavy blow to Poon’s family while Taiwan owes the concerned parties a proper explanation

Lai Tung-kwok, executive vice-chairman of the New People’s Party

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor described Chan’s decision as a positive message that lifted people’s spirits. But Taiwan said it would refuse to let Chan enter Taiwan, arguing that the Hong Kong government should instead follow up the murder case, which occurred in Taiwan.

Lai said Taiwan’s response is “contradictory and unthinkable’’.

“It is so sad that Taiwan authorities undermined the rule of law with politics. It is simply unthinkable that Taiwan would refuse to take over the murder case after issuing a warrant for his arrest. Where is the law and where is justice?” he said. 

After his girlfriend’s murder, Chan, who was 19 at that time, fled back to Hong Kong with her money and credit card. A warrant for his arrest, valid for 37 years, was issued by a Taiwan district prosecutor office.

‘Where is the justice?’

After returning to Hong Kong, Chan admitted to killing his girlfriend Poon Hiu-wing and taking her belongings. He was charged with theft and money laundering, but Hong Kong does not have the jurisdiction to prosecute a murder offense that occurred elsewhere. Chan was convicted of money laundering and given a prison sentence of 29 months — which was later reduced.

“Chan has faced trial and served imprisonment in Hong Kong for the offense he committed here. Since Taiwan has the jurisdiction to investigate and bring Chan to court for the murder case that happened there, Taiwan should let him go there, and arrest him pending further investigation, instead of shutting him out. This will be a very heavy blow to Poon’s family while Taiwan owes the concerned parties a proper explanation,” said Lai.

Lai regrets that it is the end of the road for all legal avenues as the Hong Kong government has done all it can and Chan has already been punished for the offense.

The response from Taiwan authorities angered even its former leader Ma Ying-jeou, who slammed the Tsai Ing-wen administration for ignoring human rights for political reasons and weakening Taiwan’s own jurisdiction. Ma was also dismayed the Tsai administration failed to seek justice for the family of the victim and bring the offender to justice.

joseph@chinadailyhk.com


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