Yesterday from HKFP
Jonathan Ross says he and his family were threatened. It comes days after Chief Executive Carrie Lam warned the Law Society to remain neutral amid further pressure in the state-backed press.
For my safety, and the safety of my family, I am announcing my intention to withdraw my name as a candidate for re-election to the Council of the Law Society of Hong Kong,” Jonathan Ross said in a statement.
Tuesday’s election for the professional association will see five new council members elected to replace some of its longest-standing members. The race is seen as a watershed moment as currently the “liberal camp” occupies seven out of 20 seats on the council. If the camp wins all five seats, they will gain a majority in the body that counts over 12,000 solicitors amongst its membership.
Ross urged all members of the Law Society to attend and vote in Tuesday’s Annual General meeting “for the candidates of their choice in a free and open election.”
“It is a shameful and sad day for Hong Kong that an election for Council of our honorable institution has sunk to this level,” he said.
