Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam hits back at EU officials who protested against controversial extradition bill, saying they did not pinpoint concerns
- Chief executive says rare move by consulates is not entirely unheard of, but merely stating a stance on a matter will not take the discussion further
- She hints that the government will respond in Legco to concerns by lawmakers and the public
Hong Kong’s leader has hit back at European Union officials in the city who formally protested against the controversial extradition bill, saying that foreign diplomats could not pinpoint concerns and were only stating their stance on the matter.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor shrugged off comments by the consulates on Saturday, dismissing the need for further discussion a day after meeting 11 EU representatives in her office and receiving their diplomatic note.
Sources said the group asked Lam to add safeguards for the judiciary to take international human rights standards into account in vetting fugitive transfer requests under the amended legislation.
Hong Kong officials are pushing for a contentious legislative amendment allowing crime suspects to be transferred to places with which the city does not have an extradition deal, including mainland China.
“[The EU consuls general] have expressed concern, but I asked them what exactly was their point of concern, and which part of the law caused worry for their citizens and businesses?” Lam said of Friday’s one-hour exchange.
“I’m not sure if it was because there was not enough time, but I did not hear more on the matter.”
The legislature, which has been in deadlock over the proposal, will resume debating the bill on June 12.
