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The Department of Justice has in place established mechanisms to ensure that prosecution decisions are made fairly and impartially. In general, if there are sensitivities with regard to a particular case, delegating the prosecution decision to the Director of Public Prosecutions or seeking independent advice from outside counsel or both are options available for consideration. These options have been adopted in past cases.
In respect of the case involving the arrest of a head of a government bureau, an Assistant Director of a government department and two other persons by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), it is in the public interest to make it clear from the outset as to how the Department of Justice will handle the matter. The Secretary for Justice, in order to avoid any possible perception of bias or improper influence, after satisfying himself that the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Kevin Zervos, SC, has no connection with the persons involved in the case, has delegated to the Director of Public Prosecutions the authority to handle the case and if and when required to consider whether any prosecution action is warranted.
The Secretary for Justice, as head of the Department of Justice, will ensure that due and proper processes are observed in the conduct of the case and in strict accordance with the law and prosecution policy.
While the ICAC's enquiries are continuing, no further comments will be made at this stage.
Ends/Thursday, July 12, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:06
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