Asylum plea in Australia extradition case
A businessman who is fighting extradition to Australia, where he is accused of being involved in one of the country's most serious cases of insider dealing, has applied for asylum in Hong Kong, Eastern Court heard.
A businessman who is fighting extradition to Australia, where he is accused of being involved in one of the country's most serious cases of insider dealing, has applied for asylum in Hong Kong, Eastern Court heard yesterday.
His lawyer Robert Tibbo asked the court to adjourn extradition proceedings pending the result of Xiao's asylum application, which may take years.
Tibbo said Xiao, also known as Steven Xiao, and his family had been subject to threats and his situation involved matters that "cannot be discussed in open court".
He said Hong Kong was Xiao's choice of "safe haven" and he had applied for asylum in the city on February 28 - asking to be protected from extradition to both Australia and mainland China.
He added that Xiao had only received case documents from the prosecution this week and papers appeared to be missing.