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Friday, May 31, 2019, 20:42
CE calls for rational discussion on extradition bill
By ​Kathy Zhang
Friday, May 31, 2019, 20:42 By ​Kathy Zhang

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor attends a question-and-answer session at the Legislative Council on May 22, 2019. (ROY LIU / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor on Friday called on different sectors to join a rational and pragmatic discussion on the revised extradition bill.

Lam made the remarks a day after the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s government announced a list of changes to the extradition bill on late Thursday.

Five special meetings are scheduled between Friday and next Tuesday by the LegCo Panel on Security to discuss the amendments.

They include raising the jail threshold for extraditable offenses from the original three years to seven years, and that any extradition request must be made through the top level of government of the jurisdictions concerned.

READ MORE: HK's majority opinion backs amendment to extradition law

The revisions are made to ease public concerns, Lam said. After making such changes, it is clearer that the amendments to the current extradition law are targeted on heinous crimes, according to Lam.

Lam also urged lawmakers to make full use of special meetings held by the Legislative Council Panel on Security to discuss the proposed extradition bill.

Five special meetings are scheduled between Friday and next Tuesday by the panel to discuss the amendments.

ALSO READ: Fugitive law revision 'in line with Basic Law'

The 20-hour meetings, a platform for lawmakers and officials to talk about the issue face to face, will play a positive role to alleviate worries on the bill, Lam said.

Lawmakers can get response from officials directly, Lam said, adding it will be helpful to allay public concerns over the law amendments. She also called for pragmatic discussions on the matter from various sectors.

The first special meeting was held on Friday morning. Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu and Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah attended the meeting and answered lawmakers’ questions on the bill.

 

kathyzhang@chinadailyhk.com


 

 


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