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Last Updated : 2024-03-28 12:25:00
Hong Kong’s Immigration Department has rejected asylum requests made by a group of refugees, including Sri Lankans, who sheltered US fugitive Edward Snowden four years ago, foreign news agencies reported.
Their lawyer Robert Tibbo on Monday said immigration officials denied applications by the four adults and three children, in what he said is “retaliation for helping Snowden”. The applicants are from the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
Snowden hid in Hong Kong for two weeks in June, 2013, after he leaked documents revealing extensive US government surveillance. His whereabouts were a mystery during the time.
It was not until last year that the role Tibbo and his clients played in sheltering Snowden was revealed. Tibbo said his clients will appeal the ruling. They have also applied for refugee status in Canada.
The lawyer said that the families need to be brought to Canada immediately while the country processes their asylum claims.
Tibbo said Canada needs to take this “exceptional” step and allow the seven people to enter the country after the Hong Kong government rejected their asylum applications last Friday.
The seven people – four adults and their three children – allegedly helped hide Snowden when the fugitive was in the region in 2013 after he leaked documents revealing extensive U.S. government surveillance.
They were put in contact with Snowden because they share Tibbo as a lawyer.
Speaking from Hong Kong, through a video conference, surrounded by the seven refugee applicants, Tibbo told reporters they have two weeks to appeal the decision or risk deportation to their countries of origin, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, where they fear for their safety.
A non-profit group is attempting to raise the estimated $15,000 to cover the appeals.
“The solution is Canada,” he said, adding the country is one of a handful of jurisdictions that permit a review of refugee applications from people who haven’t been screened by the United Nations.
Tibbo said the Hong Kong government doesn’t allow the UN to screen refugee applicants who enter the country.
One of the refugee applicants, Ajith, said he was convinced that he would be killed if he returns to Sri Lanka.
Pramodaya Tuesday, 16 May 2017 04:19 PM
This is a consequence of sheltering a high profile American target and revealing it later. Hope Snowden will workout something for you guys.
Lankan Tuesday, 16 May 2017 04:55 PM
This Sri Lankan guy is saying he will be prosecuted and his family will go missing if he goes back to SL. Selfish people who tarnish the image of their country for economic benefits. He is a refugee in HKG for economic reasons
Rex Tuesday, 16 May 2017 05:24 PM
Unlike Christianity dominated countries in the West, Southeast Asian countries including Japan do not give any preference for refugees.
gemba Tuesday, 16 May 2017 05:27 PM
Death and Taxes are the bedrock of civilization. If you are so sure you will be killed in Sri Lanka how about committing suicide.
ceylon Tuesday, 16 May 2017 06:29 PM
years ago 100000 plus hk people settled in better countries as refugees.now they forgot their troubled past. via DM Android App
ceylon Tuesday, 16 May 2017 06:38 PM
lankans buy over 3 billion hk products annualy.hk dont give visa on arrival to lankans.few get visa under torturous troubles.why lankans visit un friendly countries . via DM Android App
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