Murder suspect walks free as Hong Kong, Taiwan authorities clash

A murder suspect whose case was used by the Hong Kong government to push for a controversial extradition bill walked free from jail on Wednesday as the city’s authorities squabbled with Taiwan over how to handle a promised voluntary surrender.

Chan Tong-kai, a Hong Kong citizen, was accused of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to the Chinese-ruled financial hub.

Chan, wearing a navy blue shirt and red backpack, bowed and apologized to the family of his ex-girlfriend and the public as he left the prison in Hong Kong’s rural Sai Kung district after serving 29 months for money laundering.

He said he had made an “unforgivable mistake” and was willing to plead guilty and turn himself in to Taiwan for trial.

The Hong Kong government seized on the case to justify pushing through a now-withdrawn extradition bill, leading to five months of sometimes violent protests that have now evolved into broader calls for democracy.

“I hope her family can be relieved a bit and let her rest in peace,” he said, declining to say when he would turn himself in.

“For the society, for Hong Kongers I can only be sorry. I hope you can all forgive me ... let me be a new person and give me the opportunity to return to society.”

While Chan has offered to surrender himself voluntarily, Hong Kong and Taiwan have clashed over the next steps.

(REUTERS)