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Enhanced security measures at High Court Building to start from January 31
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The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     The Judiciary today (January 29) reminded relevant parties and other court users to arrive earlier and in good time at the High Court Building (HCB) with the implementation of enhanced security measures under a pilot scheme starting from January 31 (Wednesday).

     Under the enhanced measures, court users of the HCB will be required to undergo security screening, including body screening by archway/handheld metal detectors and bag inspection, before gaining access to the courtrooms on LG4/F and any floor from 1/F to 14/F (the controlled areas) during the following times:
 
  • 7.45am to 6pm on weekdays;
  • 7.45am to 1pm on Saturdays; and
  • outside normal court hours when there are urgent court hearings.

     Users going to 1/F to 14/F will be screened on the G/F of the HCB, while those for the courtrooms on LG4/F will be screened on LG4/F.

     Aside from security considerations, water and drinks will not be permitted to be brought from outside into the controlled areas. Drinking water and vending machines with bottled water will be available on these floors.

     A spokesman for the Judiciary said, "We will make every effort to minimise inconvenience to court users when implementing security screening. However, it is inevitable that more time will be required for the relevant parties and other court users to gain access to courtrooms. So they are advised to arrive at the HCB earlier, in particular during peak hours in the mornings or after lunch breaks."

     Furthermore, taking into consideration recent developments such as the introduction of security screening, the Judiciary has consolidated and refined the practices that it has all along been adopting to maintain order and security of court premises by compiling a set of House Rules.

     "Proper management of court premises is essential to the provision of a safe and secure environment to all court users. These rules are in place to help maintain good order and ensure court security," the spokesman said.

     According to the House Rules, court users should maintain good order and must not cause any danger, damage, disruption or disorder while on court premises. They will have to undergo security checks when entering those court buildings requiring such checks. Weapons or items that may pose a danger to others will not be allowed to be brought into court premises. Demonstrations should only be conducted in designated areas of court premises.

     "Apart from the House Rules, court users should also comply with all notices on court premises, and follow the instructions of Judiciary staff, security officers and other authorised persons at all times," the spokesman added.

     The full version of the House Rules and a leaflet of the summary of these Rules have been uploaded to the Judiciary website (www.judiciary.hk). The leaflet is also available on court premises.
 
Ends/Monday, January 29, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:25
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