Hong Kong: HK offers to share information in Taiwan murder suspect case

W/S Legislative Council chamber, Hong Kong
W/S Legislative Council chamber
SOT, John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong Secretary for Security: "The Hong Kong authorities have all the while been making efforts to assist the Taiwanese authority in their investigation. But everything must be done in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong, and ANDA, our legal framework. In one of our letters, which is saying to the Taiwanese authority, we did explain at that time that the request for information was made at a time when the proceeding in Hong Kong against the accused was already in progress. So we have to examine all the legal implications before we can consider what we could do. But after this case has been concluded, and as the accused has already indicated that he will surrender, we will of course be offering what is possible under our legal system and our law, the information that is requested by the Taiwanese authority. But one thing which is very important is that the accused person has already indicated his willingness to surrender. And it should be handled quickly without hindrance so that justice is done. And this changing position every now and then, making up accusations against another government, that's no good to ensuring that justice is done in this case. That is why I urge the Taiwanese government to see how they can accept the accused person surrendered, giving the best facilitation, rather than laying all the hurdles and restrictions in regard to his surrender."
M/S John Lee Ka-chiu at end of presser, going back into Legislative Council chamber
SCRIPT
Hong Kong Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu stated that information requested by Taiwanese authorities regarding the case of murder suspect Chan Tong-kai will be shared within the boundaries of Hong Kong's legal system. He was speaking to the press in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
"But one thing which is very important is that the accused person has already indicated his willingness to surrender. And it should be handled quickly without hindrance so that justice is done," added John Lee Ka-chiu.
The Secretary for Security also slammed Taiwan for "making up accusations" against Hong Kong, saying that it does "no good to ensuring that justice is done in this case."
Hong Kong citizen Chan Tong-kai is wanted by Taiwan authorities over the killing of his pregnant girlfriend in February 2018. Chan fled to Hong Kong where he was convicted on money laundering charges as the government there said that the murder case was outside its jurisdiction.
He was released from the Pik Uk prison on Wednesday, after serving an 18-month sentence.
Chan has been denied entry to Taiwan despite offering to turn himself in and face trial. Taiwanese authorities said they would only accept Chan following bilateral judicial assistance, with Hong Kong complying with procedures.
The Chan Tong-kai case triggered the Hong Kong's extradition bill controversy, which has led to months of anti-government protests.