Threat to Hong Kongers’ Right to Legal Counsel: Troubling Cases Highlight Erosion of Constitutional Safeguards
HONG KONG (AP) — Recent developments in Hong Kong suggest that the right to access legal counsel is being eroded in the national security sector of the police force. The erosion of this important right, guaranteed by the Bill of Rights Ordinance and the Basic Law, is a cause for concern. According to Article 11 (2) (b) of the Bill of Rights Ordinance, individuals charged with a criminal offense have the right to adequate time and facilities for their defense and to communicate with their chosen counsel. Similarly, Article 35 of the Basic Law states … Read more