Editorial | All must keep faith in Hong Kong’s rule of law and ‘one country, two systems’
- There is need to strengthen Hong Kong’s pool of foreign judges after two Britons and a Canadian announce resignations, sparking renewed legal debate
Foreign judges have, since Hong Kong’s return to China in 1997, played a valuable role in supporting the city’s rule of law by sitting on the Court of Final Appeal. When these legal heavyweights withdraw it is always a matter of regret.
Sadly, three have announced their departure in recent days. The resignation of two British judges has sparked renewed debate about Hong Kong’s rule of law.
Lawrence Collins cited the city’s political environment. Jonathan Sumption went further. He warned of a “growing malaise” in the judiciary, following the passing of a national security law in 2020, and said the rule of law was “profoundly compromised in any area about which the government feels strongly”.
These remarks are especially disappointing as Sumption has, in the past, publicly defended the role of British judges in Hong Kong, resisting pressure in the UK for them to withdraw.
Sumption’s allegations prompted a robust response in Hong Kong. The government issued a strongly worded rebuttal, defending the city’s rule of law.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stressed the government had not and would never allow anyone to interfere with the administration of justice.