Implementation of agreement on surrender of fugitive offenders between HKSAR and Germany suspended and commencement of agreement on surrender of fugitive offenders between HKSAR and France shelved

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     In accordance with the instruction of the Central People's Government (CPG), the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has issued notices to the German Consulate General Hong Kong and the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau respectively today (August 12) to suspend the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of the HKSAR of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Surrender of Fugitive Offenders (SFO) and to shelve the Agreement between the Government of the HKSAR of the PRC and the Government of the French Republic Concerning Surrender of Accused or Convicted Persons which is pending entry into force.

     A Government spokesman said, "It is an international practice to safeguard national security through enactment of laws. Germany and France have put in place relevant legislation, but have suspended the implementation of the SFO agreement with the HKSAR and halted the ratification of the relevant agreement with the HKSAR respectively on a unilateral basis, citing the enactment of the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR among the excuses. Such moves are open interference in China's internal affairs and a violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations. The HKSAR Government firmly objects to the moves of Germany and France. The two countries have politicised juridical co-operation, thereby damaging the basis of juridical co-operation between the HKSAR and Germany and France. For this reason, in accordance with the instruction of the CPG, the HKSAR Government has suspended the implementation of the SFO agreement between the HKSAR and Germany and shelved the SFO agreement between the HKSAR and France."

     The HKSAR signed the SFO agreement with Germany in May 2006, and that with France in May 2017. The SFO agreement between the HKSAR and Germany entered into force in April 2009, while the SFO agreement between the HKSAR and France has not yet entered into force.

Ends/Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Issued at HKT 17:06

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