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Judiciary's response to media enquiries
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The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     In response to media enquiries regarding the current photo-taking arrangements at the West Kowloon Law Courts Building, the Judiciary replied as follows today (March 31):

     According to the established venue management house rules of the Judiciary, taking photographs is generally prohibited in courtrooms. As for other public areas within the court premises, photo-taking is not allowed unless authorised, for example, after admission ceremonies or media activities taking place in designated areas outside the entrances of court buildings/premises.

     In devising the above arrangements, the Judiciary has taken into consideration various factors, including the actual environment of different court premises, the operational needs of the courts and the safety of court users, etc.

     As for the West Kowloon Law Courts Building, media representatives can take photographs outside the fence wall of the court premises. The area between the entrances on the ground floor of Towers A and B is the driveway and the drop-off and pick-up area for court users. In view of the safety concerns of all court users, photo-taking by any person is currently prohibited in that area. "No Photography" notices have been posted at various prominent locations at the West Kowloon Law Courts Building.

     If any Judiciary staff member suspects or finds any person violating the rules by taking photographs, appropriate action will be taken, including referring the matter to the Police for follow-up when necessary.

     Judiciary staff suspected that someone had taken photographs which violated the rules at the West Kowloon Law Courts Building this morning. The matter has been referred to the Police for follow-up.

     Regarding the comments of the media on the current photo-taking arrangement at the West Kowloon Law Courts Building, the Judiciary is examining the arrangement having regard to the practical situation, including the management of the vehicular flow and the safety concerns of court users.
 
Ends/Friday, March 31, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:45
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