Statement by The Law Society of Hong Kong

2 July 2019

(for immediate release)

The Law Society strongly condemns the violent siege of the Legislative Council building on 1 July 2019 by some protesters who attacked the police and vandalized public property.

While the rights to freedom of speech, assembly, procession and demonstration are firmly enshrined in Article 27 of the Basic Law, open defiance of the law by those protesters who broke into the Legislative Council building by force, inflicted bodily harm on others and caused serious criminal damage to the building, is to be deplored as an affront to the Rule of Law.

There is a line separating the lawful exercise of constitutional rights, as evidenced by recent peaceful demonstrations, from unlawful activity, which is and should be subject to sanctions and constraints. Where the line has been crossed, the police should take appropriate action to prevent criminal violence, secure observance of the law and uphold order for the protection of life and property.

The Law Society encourages the Government and all members of the public to respect others, work together, restore trust and confidence and move forward.

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