The sudden death of judicial reviews in Hong Kong |
A politician essentially handpicked by Beijing, Chief Executive John Lee, has dealt a lethal blow to the rule of law in Hong Kong. It’s simple and easy to understand. People in the city literally can no longer file judicial reviews to challenge government decisions. National security will prevail in every matter.
The chief executive can now certify anything as “endangering national security” and thus restrict freedom of expression with the new unlimited power given to him. Judges will have no say as the secretary for justice has already made it clear.
On June 8, Lee announced that he will decide and certify whether any matters would involve national security and the decisions cannot be........