Extradition between SARs could have retroactive effects

Sonia Chan (right side, center) met with Rimsky Yuen (second left)

The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Sonia Chan and the HK Secretary for Justice, Rimsky Yuen, met yesterday morning in Macau to discuss the details of the judicial cooperation agreement in criminal matters between the two special regions.
According to a statement from the Government Information Bureau, the negotiation process made good progress. The two sides have discussed the principles, details and technical matters, with some issues awaiting further research and amendment.
Regarding the arrangements for the extradition of criminals between both SARs, Sonia Chan said during the meeting that “such requests would be handled on a case-by-case basis once a cooperation agreement is in force.” She added that “such requests might be made retrospectively in relation to court sentences already handed down, and still valid but not yet imposed.” The secretary added that the agreement on judicial cooperation with Hong Kong is being discussed separately from such cooperation with the mainland.
There are doubts as to whether the arrangement with Hong Kong could apply to the two high-profile businessmen Joseph Lau and Steven Lo.
Both Hong Kong developers were found guilty of corruption and money-laundering by Macau’s Court of First Instance (TJB) and sentenced to five years and three months imprisonment. However, they have escaped arrest by avoiding travel to Macau.