This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
June 17, 2020 - Hong Kong has been at the center of a year-long pro-democracy movement, with protests sparked by a proposed extradition bill that would have allowed suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial.
Now, China's planned national security law for Hong Kong has raised concerns that it could allow for extraditions to the mainland, despite Beijing's assurances that the law is needed to restore stability and end the political unrest.
Tam Yiu-chung, a veteran pro-Beijing politician and Hong Kong's sole representative to Beijing's top lawmaking body, said in an interview with RTHK radio that some prosecutions alleging foreign interference or diplomatic issues could be handled by China's central government.
When asked if that might result in Hong Kongers being extradited to the mainland for trial, Tam replied: “If the central government thinks it is necessary to do so, not to be handled in Hong Kong courts, then that is an option.”
Beijing has denied suggestions that it is ending Hong Kong's autonomy, arguing that national security is within its purview. However, critics see the new law as a potential knock-out blow for Hong Kong's cherished freedoms and autonomy.
Under the 'One Country, Two Systems' agreement, China agreed to let Hong Kong maintain certain liberties and autonomy until 2047, including legislative and judicial independence. Critics fear the new law will demolish that separation and say Beijing has been prematurely eroding the city's freedoms for years.
