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March 10, 2004

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Curious

There's a nasty piece of intrigue involving my old and new homelands. The SCMP reports:

Australia's foreign minister yesterday weighed into the diplomatic row surrounding two executives wanted in Hong Kong on corruption and bribery charges for their role in a construction scandal.
However, Alexander Downer refused to explain the decision not to surrender the men. Mr Downer dismissed suggestions that his government's refusal to hand over the two fugitive businessmen was due to a lack of confidence in Hong Kong's legal system.

His comments follow concern from senior Department of Justice, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and Security Bureau officials who say they are mystified by the decision.

The ICAC wants David Hendy, 42, from Perth, and Carl Voigt, 46, from Brisbane, extradited on bribery and corruption charges relating to a short-piling building scandal in Tung Chung. The two executives allegedly ordered staff to make shorter foundation pilings for a building than specified in plans so work would be finished on time...Hendy has been charged with 11 offences of corruption, conspiracy to defraud and furnishing false information, while Voigt faces 14 charges for similar offences. Others convicted over the scam have received prison sentences.

There is a good summary of all the past articles here. It is curious in the extreme that Australia should choose not to extradite these two men. Especially when two courts have already approved the move under existing treaties. These treaties hold a provision for the Minister to take an executive decision that overrides the courts. This is extremely rare. Even rarer still is that both Australian Ministers to comment on the affair, Ellison and Downer, have avoided releasing the reasoning behind the decision.

Let's be straight here. These two men are wanted and more likely than not will be convicted if tried in Hong Kong. Hong Kong works under the same common law system of law as Australia. It has a recognised system of courts and prisons that are comparable with Australia. Others who worked with these two men have been convicted and imprisoned. For the Australian Government to overrule courts on this extradition matter without further comment is suspicious to say the least. Those who are following this in Hong Kong are completely mystified as to why this is happening, especially in light of past co-operation between the authorities of the two countries.

Something is rotten in Canberra.

UPDATE: Phil agrees. This stinks.

 posted by Simon on 03.10.04 at 08:27 AM in the




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The Farce Continues
Excerpt: The ongoing farce over the extradition of two wanted men from Australia to Hong Kong continues. From Australian Foreign Minister Downer two days ago came this:Journalist: Mr Downer are you concerned at the damage that may be done to the relationship wi...
Weblog: Simon World
Tracked: March 11, 2004 08:35 AM


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