Law.com: Beijing Counting on Barristers’ Silence as It Attacks Essex Court, Hong Kong Bar

We agree with Law.com here.

Beijing saw how quickly Essex Court Singapore capitulated.

We presume they hope most sets of chambers will value money over rights issues

 

Law.com write

Beijing is counting on the wider barrister community to prioritize financial interest above their values in sanctioning outspoken barristers critical of its policies.

China is forcing barristers in London and Hong Kong to choose between their pockets or their values. By targeting leading barristers who have publicly criticized its policies, Beijing is counting on other barristers to remain silent, academics say.

The Chinese government’s tactic of using lawyers’ commercial interests to exert political pressure so they will refrain from criticizing its policies is also creating a chilling effect. Not only are lawyers failing to support their outspoken colleagues, but they are also beginning to self-censor to avoid jeopardizing their commercial relationships with China

Read full article.  https://www.law.com/international-edition/2021/05/24/beijing-counting-on-barristers-silence-as-it-attacks-essex-court-hong-kong-bar/