Seven members of the U.S. Congress sent a letter to U.S. President Biden on May 3, asking the government to expand sanctions on Hong Kong to cover judges and relevant prosecutors designated by the National Security Law.
The Law Society of Hong Kong issued a statement condemning any attempt to interfere with judicial justice or challenge the rule of law, judicial independence and prosecutorial integrity.
The Law Society pointed out that Article 85 of the Basic Law stipulates that the courts shall conduct trials independently without any interference.
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The Law Society stated that the Basic Law establishes the constitutional status of judicial independence in Hong Kong.
For example, Article 2 guarantees an independent judiciary, including the right of final adjudication under the Basic Law.
Article 19 also provides that Hong Kong has an independent judiciary.
Article 85 stipulates that the courts shall conduct trials independently and without any interference.
The statement said that the constitutional role of judges and judicial officers is to decide cases by law.
Article 84 of the Basic Law stipulates that judges and judicial officers shall try cases in accordance with the law.
The judicial oath of all judges and judicial officers requires them to fearlessly defend the law and uphold justice.
In addition, the Law Society pointed out that Article 63 of the Basic Law stipulates that the Hong Kong Department of Justice is in charge of criminal prosecution without any interference.
Every person in Hong Kong has the right to seek legal representation, and the Law Society said it will defend this right.
The Law Society said any attempt to use sanctions to pressure judges and prosecutors appointed to handle certain types of cases is an affront to the rule of law and the integrity of the judiciary and prosecutors, calling on all sectors to respect the rule of law.
U.S. Congressmen Urge Sanctions on National Security Judges, Attorney General's Office Warns of Violating National Security Laws