In view of the announced postponement of the parliamentary elections, Germany suspends the extradition agreement with Hong Kong. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) referred to the exclusion of opposition candidates from the vote and the arrest of activists on the basis of the new security law as reasons.
“We have repeatedly made clear our expectation that China will comply with its obligations under international law,” said Maas. These include guaranteeing guaranteed freedoms and rights such as free and fair elections. “This is what the people of Hong Kong are entitled to.”
Head of government Carrie Lam had previously postponed the parliamentary elections scheduled for 6 September. Lam justified this with the coronavirus pandemic. The opposition had expected a majority of votes.
The security law passed in June, which has been heavily criticised in the West, makes separatism, terrorism and cooperation with a foreign power punishable. It allows the deployment of Chinese security forces in the former British crown colony. Hong Kong has been part of China again since 1997, but is run on the principle of “one country, two systems” with its own rules for the economy and politics.
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