Jonathan Sumption, a British judge who recently resigned from Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal (CFA), has sounded the alarm about the deteriorating situation in the territory, describing a “paranoid atmosphere” under Chinese rule. Sumption’s decision to step down, alongside fellow British judge Lawrence Collins, followed the conviction of 14 individuals for conspiracy to commit subversion, marking the largest national security trial of pro-democracy activists.
In a commentary published in the Financial Times, Sumption voiced grave concerns, asserting that Hong Kong is “slowly becoming a totalitarian state.” He highlighted the profoundly illiberal nature of the national security law enacted in 2020 in response to the 2019 mass protests, labeling it as a tool to crush peaceful political dissent.
Sumption expressed dismay over China’s increasing interference in legal matters within Hong Kong, noting the provision in the Basic Law allowing Beijing to reverse court decisions it disapproves of through legislative intervention. He cited recent incidents, including the conviction of pro-democracy activists, as evidence of Beijing’s determination to suppress dissenting voices.
In response to Sumption’s remarks, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee dismissed the assertions as politically motivated, emphasizing the judiciary’s duty to uphold the law impartially, regardless of personal opinions. Lee defended the rule of law in Hong Kong, urging adherence to legal principles and evidence-based decision-making.
Overseas judges have long played a significant role in Hong Kong’s legal system, contributing expertise and prestige since the territory’s handover from British to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. However, Sumption’s resignation underscores growing apprehensions about the erosion of judicial independence and the rule of law in Hong Kong.