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Justice Minister Defends Hong Kong Judiciary Amid Criticism

1/19/2026

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Story summary

Paul Lam Ting-kwok, Hong Kong's justice minister, defended the judiciary against national security accusations, saying judges have upheld their duties and independence.
Lam condemned sanctions on judges and external pressure on overseas judges during a speech marking the legal year's start.
Andrew Cheung Kui-nung, Chief Justice, said Hong Kong's rule of law remains robust after Jimmy Lai's conviction and warned against politically motivated early releases.

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Story summary

Paul Lam Ting-kwok, Hong Kong's justice minister, defended the judiciary against national security accusations, saying judges have upheld their duties and independence.
Lam condemned sanctions on judges and external pressure on overseas judges during a speech marking the legal year's start.
Andrew Cheung Kui-nung, Chief Justice, said Hong Kong's rule of law remains robust after Jimmy Lai's conviction and warned against politically motivated early releases.