【Judicial Intimidation】

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The Law Society notes from media reports that the Chief Magistrate and his family members received a death threat on or about 3 December. Judicial intimidation is not only a serious criminal offence, but also an abhorrent threat to judicial independence and the rule of law. On 7 December, the Law Society issued a statement condemning the act of intimidation against a judicial officer. The statement is posted on the Law Society website.

 

Echoing the concerns of the Law Society, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (“CLA”) also issued a statement on 9 December urging the authorities in Hong Kong to investigate any threats to the Judiciary and the legal profession and to uphold recognised international principles to ensure an impartial and independent judiciary and legal profession.  CLA is an international legal organisation which aims to maintain and promote the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth by ensuring that an independent and efficient legal profession serves the people of the Commonwealth.

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Melissa K. Pang

President

(Information from The Law Society of Hong Kong)