Remarks Interfering With Courts 'unacceptable': Govt

Senior officials have strongly criticised people here and overseas for making what they describe as "inappropriate comments" about cases that are before the courts, saying they won't accept remarks or actions that interfere with judicial independence.

Writing on her weekly blog on Sunday, justice secretary Teresa Cheng said Hong Kong's judicial system has become a target for criticism which are "motived by political overtones".

"Individuals from local and overseas communities, from time to time, have been found expressing views on certain ongoing cases. A number of politicians used to irrationally ask for the withdrawal of charges against some defendants and demand for their immediate release, or even launch spiteful comments on personnel who carry out prosecution work," she wrote.

The minister said nobody – not even her own department – should comment on any ongoing case.

She also urged people to carefully read and understand court rulings before discussing them, to avoid any misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, chief secretary Matthew Cheung said on his blog that while people may have different views on court rulings, the public should be cautious and responsible in making comments.

He said no one should put pressure on judges or courts, nor make personal attacks, to preserve local and international confidence in Hong Kong's rule of law and judicial independence.