Editorial | Rule of law requires Hong Kong judges are kept safe
Attempted knife attack on Hong Kong magistrate is a matter of great concern and safeguards must be strengthened
The attendance of members of the public at Hong Kong court cases is one of the strengths of the legal system, providing transparency and accountability. But there is also a need to ensure that those responsible for administering justice can do so securely. An attempted knife attack on a magistrate at Kowloon City Magistrates’ Court on Monday is, therefore, a matter of great concern. It should serve as a wake-up call.
A 32-year-old man was apprehended after rushing towards Magistrate Edward Wong Ching-yu, who was hearing a case. The suspect was quickly arrested and no one was harmed. The man is said to suffer from mental illness and to have been dissatisfied with a court ruling against him by the same magistrate years ago. He was charged yesterday with wounding with intent. The legal process must now be allowed to take its course. But the incident has raised fresh concerns about security in the courts.
Safeguards have been stepped up since 2017, when a disgruntled litigant produced a knife in the High Court and threatened to “chop” the judge. Metal detectors and bag checks are conducted at the Court of Final Appeal, High Court, District Court, Family Court and West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court. Such measures were strengthened earlier this year. But screening has not been carried out at other magistrates’ courts. It was swiftly, although belatedly, introduced at Kowloon City Court Tuesday, in response to the attempted assault.
Attacks on judges cannot be tolerated. The latest incident has rightly been condemned by the judiciary, Bar Association and president of the Law Society.
Some judges and magistrates suffered threats and abuse amid political divisions in Hong Kong in recent years. These have included death threats and the receipt of letters containing corrosive substances. It is, therefore, surprising that security in the courts has not been stepped up further. Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world and attempted courtroom attacks are rare. Measures to safeguard the courts must be balanced with the need for operational efficiency. But the priority must be to ensure that the city’s judges and magistrates can fulfil their duties in safety.
