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Judiciary Independence

Beijing’s draft decision also signaled that it would push key institutions – referred to as «the HKSAR’s administrative, legislative and judicial organs» – to comply with upcoming rules relating to national security legislation. 

«The reference to 'judicial organs' gives rise to perceptions that the Judiciary of the HKSAR is being or will be instructed to act in a particular way,» HKBA explained. «Independence of the Judiciary is the cornerstone of the success of the HKSAR and should not be undermined in any way.»

«Deep Unease»

Beijing’s enactment of the new security law and the Hong Kong government’s promulgation without legislature approval has caused «deep unease in the local and international community» despite chief executive Carrie Lam’s simultaneous claim to fully cooperate with the NPCSC while assuring that existing legal rights and freedoms alongside judiciary independence remain unchanged.  

«In light of those assertions which were made without further explanations, the HKBA calls upon the HKSAR Government to address the fundamental constitutional and legal concerns raised above as a matter of urgency,» HKBA said.

«HKBA may make further observations when details of the HK National Security Law are disclosed.»