Judiciary announces plans to enhance security measures at court buildings
A 32-year-old man was arrested after attempting to attack a magistrate with a knife at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts on Monday morning, allegedly motivated by dissatisfaction with a 2020 indecent assault verdict.
The Hong Kong Judiciary and Department of Justice have strongly condemned the incident, which left three police officers injured and posed a threat to the safety of judicial personnel and the public.
READ MORE: Man arrested for knife attack on magistrate in Hong Kong
At around 10 am, the attacker, seated in the public gallery, lunged at the magistrate with a sharp knife. The magistrate, Edward Wong Ching-yu, evaded the attack, but a court security officer and two police officers were injured when apprehending the suspect as he tried to flee.
The police later discovered that the suspect was carrying four knives, 27 to 46 centimeters in length, along with four bottles of a flammable solution, two bottles of an unidentified powder, and a collection of lighters and matches in his bag.
The suspect had previously been sentenced by Wong to 21 days in prison for an indecent assault case in 2020. He was found in possession of court documents related to the assault case and materials expressing his dissatisfaction with the ruling.
The police said the suspect had previously been treated for mental health issues. He is currently in hospital with minor injuries inflicted during the arrest.
The Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts do not have a full screening mechanism in place, unlike some court buildings in the city.
The Department of Justice in a statement said it strongly condemns the violent attempt to attack the magistrate. It pledged to thoroughly investigate the case and strictly enforce the law to ensure the offender is held to account.
Citing Article 85 of the Basic Law, the department reaffirmed that Hong Kong’s courts will exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. It said that intimidation — in particular, violence in any form against judges who are performing their judicial duties — will never be tolerated.
READ MORE: HKSAR govt strongly condemns knife attack at CGO
In a separate statement condemning the incident, the city’s Judiciary said any attempts to attack judges or judicial officers are a direct affront to the rule of law, a disregard for law and order, and a serious threat to the safety of judicial personnel and court users.
The Judiciary added that its members faithfully discharge their constitutional duties in accordance with their judicial oath, upholding the law and administering justice without fear, favor, self-interest, or deceit. Their decisions are made independently and professionally, based on legal principles, it said.
“For those dissatisfied with a verdict or sentence, the proper recourse is through the established appeals process,” the Judiciary advised.
The Judiciary also announced plans to enhance security measures, including security screenings, increased manpower, and cooperation with the police, to protect judges, court employees, and the public.
