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Hong Kong enjoys independent judicial power and final adjudication
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     Regarding the procession by certain members of the legal profession that took place today (June 27), a spokesman for the Department of Justice responded as follows:

     The Basic Law provides a solid foundation for the judicial system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). According to Articles 2 and 19 of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR enjoys independent judicial power including that of final adjudication. Section 4 of Chapter IV of the Basic Law (i.e. Articles 80 to 96) contains the provisions concerning the Judiciary. In particular, Article 85 clearly states that the courts of the Hong Kong SAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference.

     The rule of law is the cornerstone upon which the Hong Kong SAR builds its success, and is also one of the core values treasured by the general public. The Government of the Hong Kong SAR attaches great importance to the rule of law and judicial independence, whilst the Department of Justice at all times regards the upholding of the rule of law and judicial independence as its top priority. The Secretary for Justice and all the officers of the Department of Justice will continue to make their best efforts to discharge this constitutional responsibility.

     The Judiciary has been exercising its independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, in a just and fair manner in accordance with the Basic Law, and has made great contribution to the rule of law of the Hong Kong SAR. The Department of Justice firmly believes that the Judiciary and all its judicial officers will definitely continue to adjudicate cases fairly, justly and free from any interference.

     The White Paper recently published by the Information Office of the State Council aims to systematically explain and sum up the situation concerning the implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy in the Hong Kong SAR. There is no intention to interfere with the rule of law and judicial independence of the Hong Kong SAR. As a matter of fact, the White Paper made repeated references to the fact that the Hong Kong SAR enjoys independent judicial power including that of final adjudication. The legal system of Hong Kong will undoubtedly continue to effectively protect the citizen's rights in all aspects.

Ends/Friday, June 27, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:30

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