'HK Judges Will Face No Pressure From Beijing'

Pro-Beijing lawmaker and barrister Priscilla Leung on Wednesday dismissed the idea that Hong Kong judges could come under political pressure from the central government if they deal with future extradition requests involving the mainland.

The Reuters news agency had quoted a senior judge from the SAR as saying that many of his colleagues consider the government's extradition plans to be "deeply disturbing" and "unworkable".

The report also said Hong Kong's judges are worried they would be exposed to criticism and political pressure if they ever try to stop suspects from being sent across the border to face trial.

But Leung said she couldn't see how this could happen.

"Judges in Hong Kong would not be subject to any kind of pressure, even if they make a decision which may differ from a request from different jurisdictions, including mainland China," she said.

"The whole reason for having One Country, Two Systems is Hong Kong preserving common law, upholding the presumption of innocence and benefit of doubt, and also due process."

However Democratic Party lawmaker Andrew Wan said the judges no doubt believe that Hong Kong is at critical crossroads, and that is why they have broken with convention and commented on the government's highly contentious extradition bill.

"We are in such a risky situation and it was a must for them to voice out," Wan said.

He said the judge's intervention in the controversy shows how problematic the government's proposed legal amendments are and he really hopes the administration will abandon the plan.