High Court selfie lands Hong Kong lawyer in hot water
The selfie of Junius Ho Kwan-yiu, apparently taken outside Court No.28 of the High Court, was widely circulated on social media
A police investigation has been launched against the former president of the Hong Kong Law Society after he uploaded a picture of himself inside the court building, a move that could be in breach of the law.
The selfie of Junius Ho Kwan-yiu, apparently taken outside Court No.28 of the High Court, was widely circulated on social media on Thursday after the pro-Beijing solicitor uploaded it to Facebook.
The caption on the picture read: “Inside Court No.28 … hang in there Uncle Pui!”
Section 7 of the Summary Offences Ordinance states that anyone who takes or attempts to take any picture in any court shall be liable to a fine of HK$250. It further states that a photograph would be deemed to be taken in court if it is taken in the building which the court is held.
Barrister Albert Luk Wai-hung said it was legal for people to take pictures in the court building on Saturdays, when new lawyers were admitted to the court.
“The crux [of the matter] is when Ho took the picture,” said Luk.
Ho then said that the picture was taken earlier this week, effectively ruling out that it was taken on a Saturday, which would have been permitted.
A case concerning David Li Yam-pui, who was applying for bail over a conviction for a scam concerning land rights, was taking place in Court No.28 on Tuesday morning. Li was represented by K.C. Ho & Fung, of which Ho is a senior partner.
A Post reporter saw Ho sitting in the public gallery as the court heard the Li case.
A police spokesman said they received a report from a court staff member stating a man had allegedly taken photographs inside the court.
Ho, a Tuen Mun district councillor, argued the section 7 order was aimed at people who interrupted court proceedings.
“Anyone with a sane mind could see that the photograph I posted has absolutely nothing inappropriate,” Ho wrote.
