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Link DetailsHK-NZ legal pacts suspended The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, in accordance with the instruction of the Central People's Government, today issued a notice to the New Zealand Consulate-General to suspend the agreements on surrender of fugitive offenders and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters with New Zealand.
In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it is an international practice to safeguard national security through the enactment of laws.
It pointed out that New Zealand has put in place legislation and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard its national security and sovereignty, such as the Intelligence & Security Act and the Crimes Act 1961.
However, New Zealand has unilaterally suspended the agreement on surrender of fugitive offenders with the Hong Kong SAR using the enactment of the National Security Law in the city as an excuse.
This smacks of political manipulation and double standards.
It is also gross interference in China's internal affairs and a grave violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations, the statement said.
The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly objected to New Zealand's move, adding its wrongful act in politicising juridical co-operation has seriously damaged the basis of juridical co-operation between the city and New Zealand.
All along, with the authorisation and assistance of the Central People?s Government, the Hong Kong SAR Government has conducted close and effective law enforcement co-operation with New Zealand under the legal framework of surrender of fugitive offenders and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters agreements based on the principle of mutual assistance and reciprocity.
The Hong Kong SAR Government will, as always, uphold the principle of mutual assistance and reciprocity, and carry out law enforcement co-operation with other members of the international community. |
