Suspect whose case led to Hong Kong’s unrest leaves prison

Hong Kong, October 23

A murder suspect whose case indirectly led to Hong Kong’s ongoing protests has been freed from prison.

Chan Tong-kai told reporters on Wednesday that he was willing to turn himself in to authorities in Taiwan, where he is wanted for the killing of his girlfriend.

He was released after serving a separate sentence for money laundering offences. Chan could not be sent to Taiwan because semi-autonomous Hong Kong has no extradition agreement with self-ruled Taiwan.

Hong Kong’s leader had offered legislation to close what she called a “loophole” but the bill sparked widespread protests over concerns it put residents at risk of being sent into mainland China’s murky judicial system. AP