Former UK Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption resigned as an overseas non-permanent judge in Hong Kong's final court last week. In a BBC interview, he cited the disqualification of the 47 pro-democracy candidates as the "last straw" and expressed concerns about the city's transition into an "authoritarian state." Sumption stated that some judges seemed willing to ensure Beijing's crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong succeeded. He emphasized that the situation had reached a point where he believed his role in the final court served no useful purpose. Sumption's resignation highlights the growing concerns about the erosion of judicial independence in Hong Kong. #JonathanSumption #HongKongJudiciary #JudicialIndependence #Authoritarianism #Resignation

Former Australian Chief Justice Anthony Mason, who supports the retention of overseas judges in Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal, strongly rejects the attacks on former UK Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption's character by the Hong Kong government and Chinese authorities. Mason describes Sumption as a highly respected judge. Regarding Sumption's comments on the impact of the national security law on Hong Kong's rule of law, Mason believes that even if judges disagree with the law's provisions, including finding them harsh or violating human rights, they must still apply the law if it is valid. #JudicialIndependence #JonathanSumption #AnthonyMason #OverseasJudges #RuleOfLaw #HongKong #NationalSecurityLaw