Judiciary strongly condemns attempts to exert pressure on Judges
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The Judiciary strongly condemns today (November 3) any attempt to exert improper pressure on Judges and Judicial Officers (JJOs), including any suggestion to impose sanctions. The Judiciary considers that any such attempt is a flagrant and direct affront to the rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong, as well as to the JJOs.
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, is to be exercised by the Judiciary independently, free from any interference.
The constitutional duty of JJOs 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. All JJOs (including Designated Judges under the Hong Kong National Security Law) must abide by the Judicial Oath to administer justice in full accordance with the law, without fear or favour, self-interest or deceit.
The Judiciary reiterates that the JJOs cannot 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 exercise judicial power independently, and will continue to abide by the Judicial Oath and firmly discharge their duty in the administration of justice without fear from intimidation.
Ends/Friday, November 3, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:32
Issued at HKT 16:32
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