New Zealand is under international pressure

After a landmark supreme court judgement allowing the government to transfer a man suspected of murder to Shanghai for prosecution, New Zealand is facing international pressure to reject the extradition of a resident to China.

The decision overturned prior court findings that had barred extradition on the basis that the accused, Kyung Yup Kim, might face torture or an unfair trial.

Now, lawmakers and members of parliament from around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe, have written to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Justice Minister Kris Faafoi, warning that the case could create a “dangerous precedent” and lead to more extraditions. If Kim’s case goes forward, it will be the first time New Zealand has sent a resident to face trial in china.