Hong Kong Watch welcomes Finland’s suspension of its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and calls for European countries with similar treaties to follow suit

On Friday 16th October the Government of Finland announced that it would suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong following the announcement of a review in July.

Finland’s decision follows the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany who have all now suspended extradition treaties with Hong Kong in response to the introduction of the draconian National Security Law.

In July, Finland, along with other EU Member States, agreed to suspend their extradition treaties with Hong Kong in response to the deteriorating human rights situation and the unilateral introduction of the National Security Law by Beijing.

Since the unanimous decision at the EU Foreign Affairs Council to agree a package of measures to support the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong:

·       Germany has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong;

·       France suspended the conclusion of talks for an extradition treaty with Hong Kong;

·       Ireland and the Netherlands have confirmed that they are reviewing their respective extradition treaties with Hong Kong.

Portugal and the Czech Republic also have extradition treaties with Hong Kong. While France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, and a number of Eastern European countries continue to have extradition treaties with China.

Commenting on the Finnish Government’s suspension of its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, Johnny Patterson, Hong Kong Watch’s Director of Policy and Research said:

“Hong Kong Watch welcomes the decision by the Finnish Government to suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

Since the National Security Law has come into force, we have seen it used by authorities to prosecute pro-democracy activists arbitrarily, retrospectively, and overseas, by claiming worldwide criminal jurisdiction.

We hope that other European countries will follow the example of Finland, and implement the previously agreed package of measures at the EU Council by suspending their extradition treaties with Hong Kong as a matter of urgency. This will send a clear message that no Hong Kong activist in Europe will face the prospect of extradition to Hong Kong or mainland China under this draconian law.”