Ireland ends extradition deal with Hong Kong over security law

The new national security law was brought in by Beijing to quell protests after demonstrations against plans to allow extradition to mainland China
The new national security law was brought in by Beijing to quell protests after demonstrations against plans to allow extradition to mainland China
AIDAN MARZO/SOPA IMAGES/ZUMA WIRE/ALAMY

Ireland has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong following a review of a controversial new national security law.

The law introduced by Beijing criminalises acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces and encompasses any activity that stokes resentment towards Beijing. Campaigners have claimed it will be used to quell pro-democracy demonstrations and that those deemed responsible for “severe” offences could be jailed for life.

The government decided to suspend Ireland’s extradition agreement with Hong Kong after conducting a review with the justice department which looked at the implications of the law for Ireland’s extradition arrangements.

The government announced in July that it would review the extradition treaty. The justice department said at the time: “We are keeping the matter