The mother of a young woman whose murder sparked the anti-extradition protests last year said she is planning “further action” if the suspect, who is living under police protection in Hong Kong, still does not surrender.
Speaking to local news broadcaster, i-Cable, in an interview published Monday, she urged Chan Tong-kai to turn himself in to Taiwanese authorities by October 23. The date marks one year since Chan was released from prison, where he did time for a money laundering charge related to his murder. The mother, Poon, did not say what the “action” would entail.
“Everyday I think about my daughter, especially during the holidays,” Poon, who has spoken with a number of local news outlets in the past few weeks, said. “She was very obedient and would always have a meal with me [during the holidays.]
Her daughter, Poon Hiu-wing, was killed during a trip to Taiwan in February 2018. Chan, who was dating Poon and traveling with her at the time, admitted to murdering her after finding out she was pregnant with an ex-boyfriend’s child.
Poon was 20 then, and Chan was 19.
Walking out of prison last October, Chan bowed and apologized to the victim’s family, and said he was willing to return to Taiwan to face the consequences of the murder.
But since then, Chan has reportedly been staying in a safe house with his mother and living under police protection.
Reverend Canon Peter Koon Ho-ming, who has been assisting Chan, said he “has not changed his mind” about surrendering. He explained that Chan’s plans to turn himself in were thwarted by the COVID-19 epidemic, and that he would return to Taiwan when the situation improves, South China Morning Post reported.
Poon, however, is frustrated that Chan has still not atoned for his crime.
“He didn’t go [to Taiwan] when he was released from prison, or [last] October, or during the Taiwan elections, or during Chinese New Year,” she said.
“When the epidemic began, he said he couldn’t go and has to wait for travel restrictions to be lifted. [He’s making] a lot of excuses. Why doesn’t he just come out and face the citizens? What’s he waiting for?”
She also urged the authorities not to continue providing protection for Chan.
Appealing to Chief Executive Carrie Lam, Poon called on authorities to stop providing protection for Chan. “You’re a mother too,” she said, referring to Lam. “If you were in my position, how would you feel?”
Poon told HK01 that she would even plead for mercy on Chan’s behalf in court. According to the media outlet, Reverend Koon said he would be meeting with Chan this week.
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