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Thursday, December 17, 2020, 12:18
Justice chief: HK's judicial independence cherished
By Xinhua
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 12:18 By Xinhua

In this Dec 7, 2020 file photo, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah sits down for an interview with China Daily. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The Department of Justice would never allow interference with the judicial independence in Hong Kong, said Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah.

Cheng was responding as there have been some acts or comments against the judiciary and even judicial personnel in Hong Kong.

Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng was responding as there have been some acts or comments against the judiciary and even judicial personnel in Hong Kong

Some of these recent acts or remarks have reached the level of intimidation, while some have unreasonably demanded immediate release of defendants or withdrawal of charges. 

In response, Cheng said such remarks will only serve a futile purpose if they are intended to influence the judiciary in conducting trials and prosecutions.

She said society can discuss court judgments rationally, objectively and on the basis of facts, but should never attack judicial personnel or make malicious reports.

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It is the duty of every resident to respect and uphold the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, Cheng said.

She said that, when the judicial system is under unwarranted attack, it is hoped that The Law Society of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Bar Association, the Department of Justice and all members of the public will take a stand in time to safeguard the independence of the judiciary.

Noting that some non-permanent judges serve in the judiciary in Hong Kong, Cheng said this is clear evidence that the judicial independence mechanism established in Hong Kong is stable. She said she hoped that prominent foreign judges would continue to come to Hong Kong to participate in the judiciary.

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