Hong Kong to require security screenings in magistrate court buildings following attempted knife attack on judge
Hong Kong Free Press
Hong Kong will impose security screenings in magistrate court buildings, the Judiciary has said following a man’s attempted knife attack on a judge in a courtroom.
The Judiciary said in a statement on Monday night that it would strengthen security measures from Tuesday, including by introducing screenings and increasing manpower, in magistrate courts.
Police will also increase patrols in court buildings, the statement read.
The announcement came after an incident on Monday morning, when a man seated in the public gallery in an eighth-floor courtroom at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts charged towards the magistrate while taking a knife out of his bag.
The magistrate escaped harm and the man was subdued after running out of the courtroom. The police officers who subdued him were injured in the process, including one who suffered cuts to his hand, according to the police.
The man, surnamed Lee and aged 32, was arrested over attempting to wound. Police found four knives on him, as well as unknown liquids, powders, lighters and a box of matches. Tests taken later revealed that the liquids contained flammable contents.
According to the police, documents in Lee’s possession showed that he had been charged in an indecent assault case in relation to an incident in 2020. The magistrate he attempted to attack in the courtroom had also presided over that case.
Magistrate courts are the lowest courts in Hong Kong. There are seven in the city, with only West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts – located in a court building where national security proceedings also take place – requiring security screenings before entering courtrooms.
The Family Court, the District Court, the High Court and the Court of Final Appeal all require security screenings.
In the same Monday night statement, the Judiciary condemned the attack as a “direct affront to the rule of law, a disregard for law and order, and a serious threat to the safety of judges and judicial officers as well as all court users.”
Judges carry out their duties professionally and without self-interest or deceit, the Judiciary said, adding that those dissatisfied with a verdict or sentence should lodge an appeal.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
LATEST FROM HKFP
HKFP has an impartial stance, transparent funding, and balanced coverage guided by an Ethics Code and Corrections Policy.
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.