I have been complaining for many years about the slow pace of prosecutions in Hong Kong. It is unacceptable for cases to take so long to reach trial, as it infringes on the rights of the accused. In some cases, defendants have already served their sentence before the trial even begins, leading to a miscarriage of justice.
Recently, a judge raised concerns about the delay in prosecuting four participants arrested at a riot scene five years ago. Of particular interest was the fact that two of the defendants were twins who were only 14 years old at the time of the offense. The delay in the proceedings meant that they were now adults, which poses a dilemma in sentencing.
The law recognizes that young offenders should be treated differently, with special arrangements made for juvenile offenders. However, delaying proceedings to the point where defendants become adults deprives them of these special treatments and protections. It also exposes them to the public, potentially leading to adverse consequences such as discrimination in employment or education.
In comparison, the UK government was able to swiftly prosecute local rioters within a week, highlighting the excessive delay in Hong Kong’s legal system. If a similar case took five years to reach sentencing in England, there would be significant backlash and criticism.
The issue of delayed justice raises questions about the effectiveness of the legal system in Hong Kong. The Secretary for Justice must address these concerns and ensure that cases are processed in a timely manner to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
Tim Hamlett, a veteran journalist in Hong Kong, has been vocal about the challenges in the city’s legal system. His insights shed light on the need for reform and efficiency in the prosecution of cases to prevent further injustices. As Hong Kong continues to navigate complex legal issues, it is crucial to prioritize timely and fair trials to uphold the rule of law.
