Hong Kong activist slams judges for 'complicity' in authoritarian regime
Chow Hang-tung Criticizes Hong Kong Judges Amid Tiananmen Vigil Controversy
In Hong Kong, jailed rights lawyer Chow Hang-tung has openly criticized the city's top judges, accusing them of supporting a "police state" under the current government. During an appeal at the Court of Final Appeal, Chow urged Chief Justice Andrew Cheung to stop endorsing government abuses. She was challenging a jail sentence related to her refusal to provide information on the Hong Kong Alliance, which organized the now-banned Tiananmen vigil.
Chow accused the authorities of undermining the law to increase police power. Her case highlights concerns over the erosion of judicial independence in Hong Kong, especially since the National Security Law was imposed in 2020. Several foreign judges, including former Canadian Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin and British judges Jonathan Sumption and Lawrence Collins, have resigned due to political pressures.
Chow, incarcerated since September 2021, previously served a 15-month sentence for organizing the 2021 Tiananmen vigil. She faces potential charges under the National Security Law, which could lead to up to 10 more years in prison. The crackdown on dissent and banning of pro-democracy events have raised fears about the weakening rule of law in Hong Kong.
Doubts Revealed
Chow Hang-tung
Chow Hang-tung is a lawyer from Hong Kong who fights for people's rights. She is known for speaking out against unfair laws and actions by the government.
Hong Kong Judges
Judges in Hong Kong are people who make important decisions in court cases. They are supposed to be fair and not influenced by the government.
Police State
A police state is when the government uses the police to control people and limit their freedoms. It often means people can't speak freely or protest.
Court of Final Appeal
The Court of Final Appeal is the highest court in Hong Kong. It makes the final decisions on important legal cases.
Hong Kong Alliance
The Hong Kong Alliance is a group that organized events to remember the Tiananmen Square protests. These events were banned by the government.
Tiananmen Vigil
The Tiananmen Vigil is an event to remember the people who protested for more freedom in China in 1989. Many people were hurt or killed during these protests.
Judicial Independence
Judicial independence means that judges can make decisions without being influenced by the government or other powerful people. It's important for fairness in the law.
National Security Law
The National Security Law is a law in Hong Kong that was made in 2020. It is meant to stop actions that the government thinks are against the country's safety, but some people think it limits freedom.
Foreign Judges
Foreign judges are judges from other countries who work in Hong Kong. They help make sure the legal system is fair and unbiased.
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