Germany suspends extradition agreement with Hong Kong following election postponement

Germany has suspended its extrition agreement with Hong Kong, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas confirmed on Friday, July 31 after former British colony took decision to postpone its legislative council elections and disqualify 12 opposition candidates ahe of elections.

German Foreign Minister furr ded that decision was taken following detention of four activists by newly established National Security Department which concerned European power.

" decision by Hong Kong Government to disqualify 12 opposition candidates and to postpone elections to Legislative Council represents a furr infringement of rights of Hong Kong's citizens," Mass said.

"In view of se latest developments, we have decided to suspend our extrition agreement with Hong Kong," German Foreign Minister ded.

RE | Hong Kong delays polls citing COVID, critics call it attempt to create ‘puppet parliament’

Repeatedly me expectation clear to China

German Foreign Minister furr said that country has been repeatedly making its expectation clear to China to abide by its duties under international law that includes ensuring basic rights and freedom to Hong Kong.

"We have repeatedly me clear our expectation that China abide by its obligations under international law. This includes ensuring rights and freedoms guaranteed by Basic Law of Hong Kong. In particular, it includes right to free and fair elections, which people of Hong Kong must enjoy," said Mass. 

This comes in wake of imposition of draconian national security law in Hong Kong, that aims at curbing dissent in Asian financial capital which saw massive pro-democracy protests last year.

RE | US condemns Hong Kong govt's decision to postpone elections by a year

Carrie Lam postpones Legislative council elections

On Friday, Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam declared that Legislative Council elections scheduled for September 6 will be postponed for a year because of COVID-19 pandemic. Lam told media that postponement of Legislative Council election was most difficult decision in last seven months.

Joshua Wong, a pro-democracy activist, termed this move “largest election fraud” in Hong Kong’s history. He furr said that Beijing cant overturn strong mandate of 610,000 Hong Kongers who h cast ir ballots in city's first-ever primaries earlier this month. 

RE | Hong Kong activist on his election disqualification

RE | Reports: Hong Kong may postpone election, citing coronavirus

(With inputs from ANI)