Govt: Keep Politics Out Of Judicial Appointments

The Hong Kong government has accused a committee of British lawmakers of attempting to politicise judicial appointments, after they suggested that the UK should consider pulling its judges out of the SAR's top court.

In a statement, the government said it "vehemently rejects" allegations in a highly critical report by the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, published on Thursday, that the rule of law is being "undermined" here.

"The judicial independence is constitutionally protected, as are the fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents, including the freedom of speech and the right of peaceful assembly, which are routinely exercised by them," the government said.

"Recent events have seen protestors deviated from peaceful means by resorting to escalating violence. The government is committed to stopping violence which is fundamental in protecting the life and property of innocent people."

It added: "We take strong exception to any attempt to politicise judicial appointments which are made by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of an independent Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission on the basis of their judicial and professional qualities.

"The core element of judicial independence should be sternly safeguarded by all jurisdictions which respect the rule of law."

The British committee had said that keeping UK judges on the Court of Final Appeal could lead Britain to "inadvertently appear complicit in supporting and participating in a system that is undermining the rule of law"

It also urged the British government to extend residency in the UK to holders of British National (Overseas) passports.