Hong Kong diocese urges government to stop China extradition law

The appeal, signed only as "Diocese of Hong Kong", comes two days after the great demonstration of over one million people. It asks the government to address "the questions and fears" of lawyers and public and to resolve disputes peacefully. But the head of the executive, Carrie Lam, reiterated today the will of the government to pursue the approval of the law. Mass strike of workers, schools and universities scheduled for June 12, the day of discussion in parliament.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - The Hong Kong diocese today issued an appeal in which it asks the government of the SAR (Special Administrative Region, China’s term for the territory) to "not pass the law on extradition" that it wants to move quickly, "before adequately addressing the queries and worries of the legal sector and of the general public".

The appeal, signed only "The Diocese of Hong Kong", comes two days after the gigantic demonstration of over one million people. The public fears that the law could be used by China to stop and seize dissidents and people with opinions different from those in Beijing. The legal world points out that sending suspects to China means not guaranteeing them fair tials, respectful of human rights, given the dependence of Chinese courts on the Party.

The demonstration of June 9th took place in a peaceful manner (photo 1). But after a statement by the Hong Kong government - around 11pm -  that they wanted to pass the law as soon as possible, several hundred young localists clashed with police in Wan Chai and Central. The appeal of the diocese asks the government and the population " to exercise due restraint and to seek through peaceful channels a solution to the current impasse which conforms with justice and legal principles".

Finally, "the diocese of Hong Kong" asks "all Christians to continue praying for Hong Kong society".

Today, the head of the executive, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (photo 2), has once again declared that the government will work to pass the law, which will be discussed on June 12. For that day, at least 100 restaurants, offices and shops said they will remain closed to allow their employees to participate in a sit-in in front of the Legco (Hong Kong parliament). Even students from schools and universities planned a strike for that day.

Carrie Lam, a Catholic, is much criticized by young Catholics for being too servile towards China. In these days an ironic campaign of signatures has appeared on social media to "plead with the Pope to excommunicate Carrie Lam".

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