Lords Lawrence Collins and Jonathan Sumption’s resignation occurs one week following a historic trial in which fourteen activists for democracy were found guilty of subversion.
Two of the ten foreign judges who sit on the city’s Court of Final Appeal—a relic from Hong Kong’s time as a British colony—are former justices of the UK Supreme Court.
Western governments and legal experts have expressed concern that China’s implementation of security legislation in Hong Kong, which some claim stifle dissent, is jeopardizing the rule of law in the region.
However, the administration of Hong Kong disputes this, saying the city is still a premier jurisdiction.
After serving on the court since 2012, Lord Collins announced his resignation on Thursday, citing the “political situation in Hong Kong” as the reason.
In a statement to the media, he stated, “But I still have the utmost faith in the court and the complete independence of its members.”
The news agency said that Lord Sumption did not issue a statement. The news has contacted both judges for comments.
Their exit coincides with the recent departures of three other prominent Western judges.
John Lee, the leader of Hong Kong, expressed sorrow for the judges’ resignations but emphasized Lord Collins’ remarks regarding the independence of the remaining justices.
