HK signs legal agreements with Kazakhstan

Hong Kong and Kazakhstan on Friday signed three bilateral agreements on surrender of fugitive offenders (SFO), mutual legal assistance in criminal matters (MLA) and transfer of sentenced persons (TSP) to foster legal co-operation of the two jurisdictions. "Both Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are committed players in the international efforts to fight crimes. The signing of the agreements on SFO, MLA and TSP today represents an important step forward in legal co-operation between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan," Secretary for Security Chris Tang said at the signing ceremony. Under the Basic Law, the SAR government, with the authorisation of the Central People's Government, make appropriate arrangements with foreign states for reciprocal juridical assistance. The three agreements set out the conditions for the surrender of fugitive offenders under both jurisdictions and allowing refusal if the penalty includes death; enable comprehensive judicial cooperation — including locating persons, serving documents, gathering evidence, executing search and seizure orders, and assisting in asset confiscation; and allow convicted individuals to serve sentences in their home countries. Edited by Tony Sabine