'Bar Association Facing Abyss Under Paul Harris'

Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong on Friday accused the new chairman of the Bar Association, Paul Harris, of abusing his position to “cheer for independence advocates”, warning that his comments on the national security law will bring 'catastrophe' to the body.

It delivered the warning in a sternly-worded statement after the veteran human rights lawyer said last week that he would campaign for changes to the national security law, to try to convince foreign countries to reinstate extradition agreements with the SAR that were suspended over concerns about the legislation.

Harris had also suggested some particularly problematic provisions in the law weren’t consistent with the Basic Law.

But a liaison office spokesman said that by challenging the authority of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, Harris had breached his professional conduct and conscience.

The spokesman also accused the Bar Association of becoming increasingly politicised, saying it has often made unreasonable comments on matters relating to One Country, Two Systems and important constitutional issues over the past three years.

He said the new chairman has now publicly trod on legal principles and the constitutional order, and what he does will “further drag the association into an abyss and bring catastrophe.”

The spokesman questioned whether the association is still able to fulfill its legal responsibilities.

“Hong Kong’s national security law must be enforced with determination and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability as well as order and safety must be safeguarded. History has proven time and again that anyone who wants to go against the trend will meet their own demise,” the statement concluded.