Hong Kong courts to ramp up security after knife-wielding man tried to attack magistrate
Suspect, who was upset over previous conviction, was carrying four knives, flammable liquid, lighters and quantity of unidentified powder
Security at Hong Kong courts will be ramped up after a man armed with four knives and flammable liquid was arrested for trying to attack a magistrate who convicted him over an indecent assault case years earlier.
In a statement issued on Monday night, the judiciary said it would progressively implement enhanced security measures at magistrates’ courts starting from Tuesday. The new steps would include security screenings and increased manpower.
“The judiciary will also continue working closely with the police to strengthen patrols and other safety measures, ensuring the protection of judges and judicial officers, court staff as well as court users,” a spokesman said.
According to police, the 32-year-old suspect was sitting in the public gallery at Kowloon City Court as Magistrate Edward Wong Ching-yu was hearing a case when the attack took place at 10.20am.
The man, who has a history of mental illness, took out a knife and dashed towards the magistrate who was about 20 metres (65 feet) away, the force said.
