Hong Kong justice officials should seek second opinion on move to drop corruption probe against former city leader CY Leung, Bar Association says
- Professional body for barristers expected to issue statement pressing for external advice to ‘dispel any suspicion of possible favouritism’
- They stress move is needed to answer to the public, and appropriate action should not be paralysed by ongoing judicial review
In a statement, the Bar Association challenged the Department of Justice (DOJ) for edeparting from past convention by not seeking independent legal advice before clearing Leung, adding to pressure from legal scholars and pro-democracy lawmakers.
The departure from “well-recognised” convention of first seeking legal advice, according to the vocal barrister’s body, has cast “justifiable doubt” on Leung’s case, and whether the prosecution decision was free from any bias or political considerations.
In particular, the association took issue with Leung’s role as the vice-chairman of China’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
“Any doubt as to the process by which the DOJ reached the decision not to prosecute will inevitably erode confidence in the criminal justice system and the rule of law.”
The department last Wednesday cleared Leung of corruption in a case centred on his receipt of HK$50 million from Australian engineering conglomerate UGL between 2012 and 2013, when he was serving as the city’s top official.