Forwarded from 📡Guardians of Hong Kong
UK lawyers feel ripples of Chinese sanctions on Essex Court Chambers
When Beijing imposed sanctions on Essex Court Chambers, it was not only striking at the heart of the British legal establishment. It was also chalking up a victory in its battle to pressure international business to mute criticism of its domestic affairs, particularly its policy towards the Uyghurs of Xinjiang.
Lawyers say the sanctions could give China influence over who a firm chooses to assign to their international arbitrations. It could also make solicitors think twice about instructing Essex Court.
Analysts also warned it could lead to self-censorship in the UK legal industry, with firms and chambers wary of being associated with anyone who works for groups or individuals critical of China.
Source: FT #Apr05
https://www.ft.com/content/e6ab6819-6040-4b7f-b579-3a51658f7a4b
#UKLaywers #Legal #UK #China
When Beijing imposed sanctions on Essex Court Chambers, it was not only striking at the heart of the British legal establishment. It was also chalking up a victory in its battle to pressure international business to mute criticism of its domestic affairs, particularly its policy towards the Uyghurs of Xinjiang.
Lawyers say the sanctions could give China influence over who a firm chooses to assign to their international arbitrations. It could also make solicitors think twice about instructing Essex Court.
Analysts also warned it could lead to self-censorship in the UK legal industry, with firms and chambers wary of being associated with anyone who works for groups or individuals critical of China.
Source: FT #Apr05
https://www.ft.com/content/e6ab6819-6040-4b7f-b579-3a51658f7a4b
#UKLaywers #Legal #UK #China