Justice Department Rejects Political Bias Charge

The Department of Justice on Thursday dismissed accusations that decisions to prosecute anti-extradition protesters are based on political factors.

It was responding to an open letter by a group of anonymous public prosecutors, who said Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng had insisted on laying charges against people even when there isn't sufficient evidence or a reasonable prospect of a conviction.

The letter also accused the Director of Public Prosecutions, David Leung, of failing to be a gatekeeper.

But responding to an enquiry by RTHK, the department said the accusations were “very regrettable” and were totally baseless.

It said decisions made by the Secretary for Justice do not involve any political considerations, and must be based on objective and professional analysis of evidence and the law, and must be made in accordance with prosecution guidelines.

The department also defended Leung, saying he had always worked in accordance with guidelines to safeguard justice, and had made sure prosecutions are not being interfered with.