Zheng Ruohua: Some people both locally and overseas improperly comment that personal attacks on judges are not tolerated in cases under trial

Political situation

Written by: Lin Jian

2021-01-17 11:15

Last update date: 2021-01-17 11:15

The Secretary of Justice Zheng Ruohua published a blog today (January 17), stating that Hong Kong's judicial system is internationally respected, but in recent years it has become a target for political reasons.

Recently, some arrests and prosecutions by the government authorities have attracted attention from local and international public opinion. Zheng Ruohua believes that these are inappropriate remarks and that he should not make wanton comments on the cases being heard in court.

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Two lawyers will be responsible for defending judicial independence

Zheng Ruohua pointed out that Hong Kong’s judicial system has always been valued and respected internationally. Cases have been quoted in overseas legal studies and discussions from time to time, which has repeatedly demonstrated that the international legal community trusts Hong Kong’s sound and high-quality judicial system. However, Hong Kong’s judicial system has recently However, it became a target for political reasons.

She pointed out that members of the public have the right to express opinions on court rulings and related matters within the scope permitted by law, but wanton personal attacks on judges are absolutely intolerable.

When the Attorney General learns that judicial officers have been intimidated, it will immediately issue a statement condemning the atrocities.

She also pointed out that the two legal professional bodies, the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Hong Kong Law Society, are also responsible for defending judicial independence in accordance with the "Rules and Rules" and the "Memorandum of Association" respectively.

Zheng Ruohua mentioned that since the year before last, court facilities and judicial institutions have been repeatedly damaged and maliciously attacked. The Department of Justice has responded quickly each time to defend the judicial system.

According to the injunction issued by the court, the "removal" activities against judicial personnel and their family members are expressly prohibited. Anyone who violates the injunction may be considered as contempt of court.

These actions include disrupting the hearing in court and insulting judicial personnel, publishing slanderous remarks or making related acts outside the court, obstructing the execution of court orders, etc. The common point of the above examples is that they pose a real risk to the violation of judicial justice.

Zheng Ruohua also pointed out that he has noticed that from time to time there are individuals in Hong Kong and even overseas who make improper remarks on some court cases. For example, some politicians unreasonably demand that we revoke the charges against the defendants or even release them immediately. Workers made unreasonable criticisms, and similar incidents were increasing.

She pointed out that not only the Attorney General, but everyone in the community should not make reckless comments. This is the legal principle of "avoidance of pending cases" (sub-judice). "Anyone should read the judgment after the court makes a ruling. Only then can we have an objective and rational discussion, so that we can eliminate some unnecessary misunderstandings about the court’s ruling.”

Hong Kong’s judicial independence has recently attracted local and overseas attention.

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