Why Arguments in Favor of the Hong Kong Extradition Bill Are Bogus

Let’s revisit how Chinese officials handled China's most high-profile fugitive extradition case in the last 20 years

A screenshot taken on July 23, 2011 from China's Central Television shows fugitive Chinese businessman Lai Changxing escorted by police after he landed in Beijing aboard a civilian flight in the custody of Canadian police. China’s Central Television/STR/AFP/Getty Images

Commentary

Beijing wants to see a controversial bill passed in the Hong Kong legislature that would allow the extradition of fugitives and criminal suspects to mainland China. The proposed bill has sparked mass protests in Hong Kong and widespread fear, given China’s record of unfair trials and persecution of rights and religious groups.