Hong Kong Trials Could Be Restricted To The Public

The new security law allows some cases to be tried in mainland courts under the statutes there as reports had indicated earlier, but it has been revealed that under some circumstances, restrictions can be placed on legal proceedings in Hong Kong as well.

Cases heard in Hong Kong could be closed to the public – like those involving national secrets, public order, or matters that are deemed inappropriate for an open trial.

The media and the public can be barred from attending either parts or the entire trial, according to the law. Like on the mainland, the outcome of the trial will be made public.

The Secretary for Justice can also direct that certain cases are to be heard by three judges in the High Court instead of a jury, if they involve national secrets or external forces.

This would be to protect the safety of the jurors and their families, the law said.

As reported earlier, the Chief Executive will name judges who will hear the cases under the new law. This had created a controversy as some legal experts, including the Bar Association, has said this will undermine the independence of the judiciary.

The law says the CE can consult the national security committee and the Chief Justice when appointing judges to deal with the cases in Hong Kong.

It also said the appointment will last for a year and any judge who said or did something that endangered national security should not be appointed.