Lam has tweaked the proposals but has refused to withdraw the bill, saying it is vital to plug a long-standing "loophole". "The extradition bill will directly threaten the core values of Hong Kong and rule of law," said 21-year-old Kelvin Tam, a student in London. But it is the prospect of renditions to mainland China that has alarmed many in Hong Kong. Foreign governments have also expressed concern, warning of the impact on Hong Kong's reputation as an international financial hub, and noting that foreigners wanted in China risk getting ensnared in Hong Kong. Hong Kong officials have defended the plans, even as they raised the threshold of extraditable offences to crimes carrying penalties of seven years or more.

Source: The Star June 09, 2019 06:43 UTC