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A government spokesman today (Friday) denied reports that the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, had suggested that Cheung Tze-keung should make a self confession of the alleged offences committed in Hong Kong to secure his return to Hong Kong to stand trial.

"The fact is that the Secretary for Security was asked by the press whether a self confession by Cheung would enable him to be brought back to Hong Kong for trial. Her response was that in such an event, the nature and the content of such confession would have to be carefully examined and legal advice would need to be sought," the spokesman explained.

Mrs Ip was also quoted as saying that there was no evidence of Cheung involved in crime in Hong Kong and that his rendition to Hong Kong would only be considered if he confessed to crimes committed in Hong Kong.

"This is totally incorrect. Mrs Ip has said that with regard to alleged kidnapping, there was no evidence to support bringing offences in Hong Kong.

"Police investigations into other crimes possibly committed by Cheung are continuing and as Mrs Ip has pointed out, the Police would not hesitate to initiate prosecution should there be sufficient evidence," the spokesman added.

There is no question of arrest warrants issued by the Police contradicting what the Secretary had said. The facts are-

(a) Cheung and his gang are under investigation in respect of a number of serious crimes.

(b) At the time of his departure from Hong Kong to the Mainland, there was insufficient evidence based on which the Police could have taken arrest action but vigorous Police investigation has continued.

(c) In respect of the alleged kidnapping case, unfortunately we still do not have sufficient evidence to bring charges against the suspects.

(d) In respect of the other alleged offences, the Police have gathered useful information and evidence since Cheung's departure from Hong Kong. However, since investigation and judicial proceedings in the Mainland have commenced, it would not be appropriate to seek Cheung's return to Hong Kong until the proceedings in the Mainland have been completed. This is in line with the international practice on the surrender of fugitive offenders.

(e) Court hearing in Hong Kong on one specific case will soon commence, and on grounds of subjudice, detailed information cannot be released.

Ends/Friday, November 6, 1998

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