Statement by The Law Society of Hong Kong

9 December 2019
(for immediate release)

The Law Society notes with grave concern the media reports on the criminal damage targeted at court buildings on 8 December 2019.

The task of the courts is to adjudicate impartially on the legal and factual issues involved in a particular case according to the law, whatever the nature of the controversy and whoever the parties may be. Where a court has ruled on the legal issues in a particular way at first instance, a party dissatisfied with the court's judgment may have the avenue of appeal.

Venting dissatisfaction by throwing petrol bombs at court buildings and vandalising property must be abhorred. Those who committed these criminal acts must stop taking the law into their own hands. These acts will not help resolve any problem.

The rule of law is one of the greatest strengths of Hong Kong. The Law Society is fully committed to upholding the rule of law and we strongly condemn all attempts to undermine respect for judicial integrity and independence.

For media enquiries, please contact: Mr. Joshua Cheng, Director of Communications and External Affairs at 2846 8815 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