'Stop Interfering With HK's Independent Judiciary'

Hong Kong's two professional legal bodies on Friday condemned a recent report by a US congressional advisory group, which called for sanctions on judges in the SAR.

The report by the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China alleged that judges involved in the city’s national security cases had “weakened” the rule of law here.

The Hong Kong Bar Association said in response that it “sternly deplores and condemns” any attempts to interfere with the operation of Hong Kong’s independent judiciary.

It stressed judges and judicial officers must be allowed to operate independently, as stipulated in the Basic Law.

“Anyone who cherishes the rule of law and an independent judiciary cannot support sanctions on judges which effectively seeks to interfere with the exercise of their independent judicial power,” the association said in a statement.

“The Bar stresses once again that there is no basis at all to call into question the integrity and independence of Hong Kong judges, whose selection, appointment and discharge of their constitutional role and duties are, and must remain, free from any political considerations and interference.”

The Law Society also issued a separate statement, saying it condemns any attempt to undermine the administration of justice.

“The Law Society calls for respect for the rule of law and an immediate halt to making any unfounded allegations on the justice system of Hong Kong,” the group said.