HKSAR Government strongly condemns despicable attempts to exert pressure on judges
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (October 24) strongly condemned recent attempts by some individuals overseas to exert improper pressure on non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal Mr Patrick Anthony Keane, blatantly interfering with ongoing criminal proceedings in the HKSAR.
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said that any attempt by any organisation or individual to exert pressure on judges and judicial officers, and interfere with the criminal justice process by means of political power or any other means, is clearly a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR and should be vehemently condemned.
Hong Kong's rule of law and independent judicial power are guaranteed under the Basic Law, which specifically provides that the judicial power, including that of final adjudication, vested with the HKSAR, is to be exercised by the Judiciary independently, free from any interference. The HKSAR Government fully supports the Judiciary in exercising its judicial power independently, safeguarding the due administration of justice and the rule of law.
Regarding Lai Chee-ying's case concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law, the HKSAR Government pointed out that as the relevant legal proceedings are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case or exert improper interference. The HKSAR Government emphasised that all cases including the relevant case are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
Buildings Department follows up on incident of broken glass cladding at external wall of Citywalk
Upon notification by the Police at about 7.30pm last night (October 24) regarding the incident of broken glass cladding at the external wall of Citywalk, Tsuen Wan, staff of the Buildings Department (BD) was immediately deployed to carry out site inspection and found that a piece of glass cladding of about 3m by 2m at the external wall of the fifth floor of the building facing Wo Tik Street was broken. No obvious danger to the overall building structure was noted.
As instructed by the staff of the BD, the property management company (PMC) of the building has arranged a contractor to remove the remaining loosen pieces of glass last night and would arrange inspection to the other glass cladding and carry out necessary repair as soon as possible to ensure public safety. The BD will issue an investigation order to require the owner to appoint an authorised person to conduct investigation and submit an investigation report together with a remedial proposal. The BD would maintain contact with the PMC to monitor the progress of the investigation and repair works.
The affected pavement is temporarily fenced off. The BD will continue to follow up the matter to ensure public safety.
The BD has specific requirements on the quality and construction of glass cladding. For example, the testing of materials and procedures before installation should comply with the relevant statutory requirements.
The BD emphasised that it is the responsibility of owners to ensure the safety of their buildings. Timely repair and maintenance of private buildings is the basic responsibility of owners. They may also be liable to criminal prosecution and civil proceedings if the building dilapidation causes damage to property or injury to persons.
