Amid concerns over Hong Kong’s rule of law under Beijing’s national security law, two British judges have resigned from the city’s top court. Jonathan Sumption and Lawrence Collins, both non-permanent overseas judges, have tendered their resignations, citing the political situation in Hong Kong.
Since Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule in 1997, non-permanent overseas judges have played a crucial role in upholding the city’s judicial independence. However, the enactment of the 2020 national security law has raised doubts about the city’s legal system.
This comes after the recent conviction of 14 pro-democracy activists for conspiring to commit subversion, sparking criticisms about the use of the security law to suppress dissent. Despite government assurances, concerns persist about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.
The resignations of Sumption and Collins follow similar departures, signaling a growing unease among foreign judges about Hong Kong’s legal climate. These developments underscore the challenges facing the city’s judiciary and the broader implications of Beijing’s tightening grip.
The departure of these judges adds to the ongoing debate about Hong Kong’s autonomy and the erosion of democratic values in the city. As observers watch the shifting dynamics in Hong Kong, questions about the future of the city’s legal system and its commitment to upholding the rule of law remain.
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