28 June 2019

(for immediate release)

 

The Rule of Law is the cornerstone of our society. In exercising the rights to freedom of speech, assembly, procession and demonstration, respect for the Rule of Law, the rights of others, the normal functioning of public services and the law and order of society as a whole should not be compromised.

With respect to the recent debates in relation to decisions on criminal prosecutions, Article 63 of the Basic Law states that the Department of Justice shall control criminal prosecutions, free from any interference. In deciding whether to prosecute a person who has allegedly committed a criminal offence, the Director of Public Prosecutions ("DPP") must fully evaluate the evidence and circumstances. The DPP must also consider whether the evidence is sufficient to justify instituting proceedings and whether the public interest requires a prosecution to be pursued. The labelling of an act, based on a person's subjective interpretation, is irrelevant in the objective decision process.

Hong Kong SAR's legal system is renowned for being transparent, trustworthy and fair; ranking well internationally and underpinning Hong Kong's reputation as one of the safest cities in the world. Past conflicts and disputes should be handled in accordance with the legal system that has been working well. It is time to look ahead for the future good of Hong Kong and her citizens.

 

 

For media enquiry, please contact Ms. Phoebe Chow, Director of Communications and External Affairs at 2846 0520 or by email (adceag@hklawsoc.org.hk).


About the Law Society of Hong Kong

The Law Society of Hong Kong is the professional body of solicitors in Hong Kong vested with statutory powers to regulate the professional conduct of solicitors, trainee solicitors and foreign lawyers. It establishes and promotes good standards of practice and ensures their compliance by practitioners. The Law Society also offers its views from time to time on legal issues that are of public concern and promotes Hong Kong legal services locally and internationally. For more information, please visit: www.hklawsoc.org.hk