Pressure Mounts on British Judge Over Hong Kong Convictions

British judge Lord David Neuberger is under increasing scrutiny from human rights organizations following his decision to uphold the convictions of British citizen Jimmy Lai and six other pro-democracy activists linked to the 2019 protests in Hong Kong. The ruling, made by the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal (HKCFA) on August 12, has drawn criticism from notable figures, including former British governor Lord Chris Patten, as it reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The defendants argued that their peaceful assembly should not have led to convictions, emphasizing that the protest did not escalate into violence. However, the five-judge panel, led by Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, ruled that the legal frameworks in Hong Kong and Britain differ significantly, suggesting that British legal precedents should not apply. Rights groups have expressed concern that Neuberger's involvement in the HKCFA contributes to a systematic repression of human rights in Hong Kong, urging him to resign to preserve the integrity of the British judiciary. In response to the backlash, Neuberger announced his resignation from the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom on August 14. His situation mirrors that of other British judges who have stepped down from the HKCFA since the national security law's enactment, citing concerns over endorsing a regime that undermines political freedoms and expression. The resignations highlight a growing reluctance among foreign judges to participate in Hong Kong's judicial system under the current political climate.