Two senior British judges have resigned from Hong Kong’s highest court, citing “the political situation” in the city. The departure of Lords Lawrence Collins and Jonathan Sumption comes after the conviction of 14 democracy activists. Both were part of the city’s Court of Final Appeal, a legacy from Hong Kong’s past as a British colony.

Legal experts warn of risks to the rule of law in Hong Kong due to security laws imposed by China. The resignations follow a trend of high-profile Western judges stepping down in recent years due to concerns about the city’s legal system.

The remaining foreign judges in Hong Kong face increasing pressure amid critiques of the city’s legal environment. However, Hong Kong authorities maintain the integrity of its courts despite these resignations.