British moves deepen international protest against China’s imposition of national security law on city.
The British government suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to Beijing’s decision to impose a new security law on the former British colony, the latest sign of deteriorating diplomatic relations between Western nations and China.
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Parliament on Monday that the extradition treaty would be suspended indefinitely and that the U.K. would bar arms sales to Hong Kong, ratcheting up pressure over what the British government says is a draconian security law.
Ben Keith comments for The Wall Street Journal on UK - Hong Kong relations:
"The extradition treaty with Hong Kong allows for the transfer of individuals found guilty or suspected of a criminal offence. In practice, the suspension will have little effect as there are very few extraditions between the UK and Hong Kong.
But the move against Hong Kong was extraordinary, since the UK maintains extradition treaties with some countries it has long criticised, including Russia and Libya. It's not far off withdrawing diplomatic relations. "
Click here to read the article on the WSJ's website (full article behind a paywall).
Ben Keith is a leading specialist in Extradition and International Crime. As well as dealing with Immigration, Serious Fraud, and Public law. He has extensive experience of appellate proceedings before the Administrative and Divisional Courts, Criminal and Civil Court of Appeal as well as applications and appeals to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and United Nations.
He has particular expertise in human rights and extradition proceedings in post-soviet states including Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova and Kazakhstan. He is sought after to represent politically exposed persons in extradition, immigration and financial proceedings. He has significant expertise in the challenge and removal of INTERPOL Red Notices.
He is ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 as a band 1 leader in the field of Extradition at the London Bar.
