In response to media enquiries about a report recently published by the United States Congressional-Executive Commission on China, a spokesman for the Judiciary said today (May 12):

     The Judiciary strongly condemns any attempt to exert improper pressure (including any suggestion to impose sanctions) on Judges and Judicial Officers (JJOs), including Designated Judges under the Hong Kong National Security Law (Designated Judges). Any such attempt is a flagrant and direct affront to the rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong, as well as the JJOs concerned, which is totally unacceptable. 

     The rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong are guaranteed under the Basic Law. Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law specifically provide that the judicial power, including that of final adjudication, vested with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Basic Law, is to be exercised by the Judiciary independently, free from any interference.

     All JJOs (including Designated Judges) must abide by the Judicial Oath to administer justice in full accordance with the law, without fear or favour, self-interest or deceit. Their constitutional duty is to exercise their judicial power independently and professionally in every case (including cases relating to national security) strictly on the basis of the law and evidence, and nothing else. 

     JJOs do not control what cases are brought before them but once a case is brought before the court, it must be dealt with by the court strictly in accordance with law. All JJOs will continue to abide by the Judicial Oath and firmly discharge their duty in the administration of justice.

Ends/Friday, May 12, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:12

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