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19 November 2010
(for immediate release)
JOINT STATEMENT OF
THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION
AND THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG
In light of recent news reports, and whilst the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law
Society of Hong Kong do not presume to interfere with judicial process in Mainland China, it
is noted that:
- A defendant has the right to appeal against the first instance verdict and shall not be
deprived on any pretext of his right to appeal: Article 180 of the Criminal Procedure Law
of the People’s Republic of China.
- A Lawyer who has been authorized by a defendant has the right to meet with the
defendant in custody and enquire about the case: Article 33 of the Law of the People’s
Republic of China on Lawyers.
Therefore, the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong,
representing the legal profession of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the
People’s Republic of China, would expect that the legal rights of all defendants and their
authorized lawyers (as recited above) to be respected and given effect by the relevant
authorities in Mainland China.”
Russell Coleman SC
Chairman
Hong Kong Bar Association
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Wong Kwai Huen
President
Law Society of Hong Kong
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Enquiry:
Ms. V Cheung
Tel: 2845 0520
Email : dcom@hklawsoc.org.hk
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