Government strongly deplores intimidation against judicial officers

     In response to threatening letters received by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts and the Shatin Magistrates' Courts, the Department of Justice (DoJ) issued the following statement today (November 16):

     Intimidation against judges and judicial officers is unacceptable to Hong Kong as a society which observes the rule of law. In any event that unlawful means is used with an aim to exert influence over court proceedings, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will take the case seriously and spare no effort in bringing the culprit to justice in order to safeguard the due administration of the judicial process and public peace.

     In exercising judicial power, judges are required to handle cases strictly in accordance with the applicable law and evidence. Article 85 of the Basic Law guarantees that the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference.

     The DoJ strongly deplores recent cases of criminal intimidation against judges. Offenders will be brought to justice. Under section 24 of the Crimes Ordinance, anyone who threatens any other person with injury to him/her shall be guilty and liable on conviction upon indictment to imprisonment for five years.