Goodbye HK’s courts.
The first time the courts have decided to rule against the govt in any serious capacity and this is what happens within days of the decision
We’d suggest the law firm exodus from the mainland to HK will in turn lead to an exodus from HK, if the govt there keep up this approach.
Singapore must be licking its lips with anticipation with the extra business and kudos on the way.
Nikkei Asia reports
Hong Kong’s government has voiced unusual criticism after a court decision to dismiss a ban on distributing a song sung at protests here, and said the judiciary should refrain from intervening in matters of national security.
Open opposition to court decisions, however, risks undermining the independence of the judiciary, which has always been a draw for foreign business.
After “Glory to Hong Kong” became a rallying cry for protesters in 2019, the government deemed the lyrics — “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times” — problematic for encouraging notions of independence. Hong Kong authorities are seeking to ban the pro-democracy song after organizers at several international sporting events wrongly played it instead of China’s national anthem.
In June, authorities requested court endorsement for an extensive ban prohibiting a wide range of activities, including online distribution and performances of the protest song. The High Court dismissed that application on July 28.
On Aug. 7, the Department of Justice, which oversees Hong Kong’s judiciary, referred the case to the Court of Final Appeal, and two days later made public its reasons for doing so.
According to documents made public on Aug. 9, Chief Executive John Lee’s opinion on the necessity of the ban, submitted to the court on July 11, should be given “utmost importance and respect,” and the Department of Justice noted the judiciary’s subordination to Hong Kong’s national security law.
The court “lacks institutional capacity and expertise” in national security, the Department of Justice said, and “should generally defer to the judgment of the executive branch.”
