National security law: ‘We are not a political organisation,’ Hong Kong Bar Association says after new chief comes under fire from Beijing
- City’s professional body for barristers responds to strong statements from central government agencies targeting Paul Harris
- Saga centres on remarks made by Harris over amendments to the Beijing-imposed national security law
The Bar Association was responding to strongly worded statements issued by Beijing’s two top agencies overseeing Hong Kong affairs last week, which had described Paul Harris, the body’s new chairman, as an “anti-Communist lawyer” who had challenged national sovereignty.
The two agencies also accused the association of being “hijacked by a minority of anti-China troublemakers”.
Harris drew the ire of the central government for saying he would explore the possibility of getting Hong Kong authorities to “agree to some modifications” to the Beijing-decreed national security law, which he said contained provisions that were at odds with rights guaranteed under the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Bar Association said it noted with concern observations expressed on its role as a result of certain views put forth by Harris in his personal capacity.
“The [Bar Association] is not a political organisation. It is a professional body established to consider all matters affecting the profession and the administration of justice, and to take such actions as it deems proper,” the statement read.