PRESS RELEASE: “Shocking” Actions by HK Authorities a “Conflict of Interests” – Lawyer


In a statement, Hong Kong barrister-at-law Robert Tibbo has commented on the actions of the Hong Kong authorities this evening stating that “the circumstances of Erwiana’s return to Hong Kong are nothing less than shocking”. Mr Tibbo is legal advisor to the HK Helpers Campaign and also advised Edward Snowden during his visit to Hong Kong last year. Today, he spoke of a potential conflict of interests regarding the actions of the authorities…

“With Erwiana’s right to sue the Hong Kong government for breaches of Articles 3 (Torture) and 4 (Slavery) of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, Cap. 383, and in light of the respective Hong Kong Immigration and Police Department threatening and oppressive conduct of today, Erwiana should have absolute minimal necessary contact with the Hong Kong government aside from the Prosecutor in criminal proceedings instituted against her former employer.”

Erwiana accompanied by officials at HK's airport,

Erwiana accompanied by officials at HK’s airport, via Straits Times

“The respective Hong Kong and Indonesian government interests are clearly adverse to Erwiana’s rights and interests. This is case where Erwiana would be best protected by having Hong Kong lawyers stand between her and the respective Indonesian and Hong Kong governments so that the abuses of today are brought to an immediate stop. This would effectively remove the conflict of interests that exists between Erwiana and Hong Kong and Indonesian authorities”

With regards to reports that Erwiana was threatened with deportation and separated from her lawyer, father and friends, Mr Tibbo stated that the actions “amounted to nothing less than state oppression to compel Erwiana to comply with their demands”.

 “Erwiana’s fundamental constitutional rights to liberty and security of the person as found under Article 5 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, Cap 383 may be presently violated by the Hong Kong government, as it is apparent that her ability to make choices for herself may be seriously compromised through the acts of the Hong Kong and Indonesian governments. It is evident Erwiana may not be able to freely associate with whomever she wants to and to freely move around and live in Hong Kong at places of her own choice as found under Article 8 of the HKBORO.”

Erwiana at the airport today

Erwiana at the airport today, via Apple Daily

Erwiana was taken against her wishes to the Indonesian consulate after returning to the city this afternoon. She remains there this evening as a protest is planned at the consulate tomorrow morning at 10am. Read more about the day’s events here.