Transcript of remarks by Secretary for Justice at media session



     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council meeting today (May 29):

Reporter: Secretary, you have already stated that the current bill has already provided sufficient safeguards for an ad hoc. Is it misleading for the Government to say the current bill is adding extra safeguards, because there was basically a transition from the current bill?

     Another question is on Mr Lau Luen-hung's case, as he has withdrawn from the judicial review application. Without commenting on a specific case, do you think the current legislation already provides a safeguard on extradition in absentia? Any case which is convicted in absentia on the accused will have to be retried before he can be extradited to Hong Kong?

Secretary for Justice: Right, I think this question, I believe, is from the South China Morning Post. It is very interesting. First, I will deal with the second question. This is the second question relating to the withdrawal of a particular judicial review. It is obviously not apt for me to comment on that. I think whatever you have said, I am sorry, I cannot comment.

     The second question is also very interesting from the South China Morning Post, asking whether by stating certain things that is misleading. Now, it is very difficult to comment on whether something is misleading or not misleading. But it is very important for the media to report the facts completely, so that the public has a full perception of what the provisions in the law are, and therefore to understand the statements or positions that are made and taken by various people. Thank you very much.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Wednesday, May 29, 2019