DoJ strongly condemns violent and illegal acts of attempting to attack magistrate

     The Department of Justice (DoJ) strongly condemned the attempt to attack a magistrate involving the use of a knife, threatening his personal safety, at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts this morning (November 4). The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will not tolerate any illegal or violent acts, and the Police will thoroughly investigate the case, strictly enforce the law and bring any offender to account.

     Article 85 of the Basic Law clearly states that the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. Judges should handle cases in accordance with law and evidence. Intimidation, in particular violence of any form against judges who are performing judicial duties, will never be tolerated. Such illegal acts not only disregard the law but also undermine the rule of law. The Police will follow up on the matter seriously. The DoJ appeals to the public to respect the rule of law and not to break the law.