Government must tell world that justice is alive and well in city
- Germany has given refugee status to two activists wanted for their alleged role in the Mong Kok riot – such a move implies they will not be given a fair trial by local courts
Hong Kong has long enjoyed an international reputation for its rule of law and independent judiciary. The city’s prosperity and stability have been built on confidence in the courts to deliver justice. It is, therefore, of great concern that this perception appears to be changing.
Two activists wanted for their alleged part in the Mong Kok riot of 2016 have been granted refugee status in Germany. Ray Wong Toi-yeung and Alan Li Tung-sing, both advocates of Hong Kong independence, were given this protection a year ago, but the news only broke this week.
They skipped bail in November 2017 while facing charges of rioting. Refugees are people who face a well-founded fear of persecution. Few details of the case have emerged, but the implication is that Wong and Li are facing political persecution and will not receive a fair trial.
This is possibly the first and certainly the most high-profile case of its kind since the 1997 handover. The idea that suspects will not be tried fairly because of their political stance is seriously damaging to the city’s reputation.
Beijing has urged Berlin to stop meddling in the city’s affairs and respect its rule of law. But the Hong Kong government has been slow to react. Officials have dodged the issue rather than provide a robust response. This is regrettable. The administration must take every opportunity to publicly support Hong Kong’s legal system, ease concerns and clear up misunderstandings.