Pleased to see that @UN_HRC members raised Qs on Legal Aid Scheme Reform. Aided defendants can no longer nominate their lawyers. There was no consultation before implementation and has a huge impact on protecting the right of aided defendants involved in criminal cases.
ICCPR HK reviewing session today: Member Carlos Gómez Martínez raised a question about Tong Ying Kit, the first person charged under National Security Law, giving up his appeal after he was assigned a lawyer who has strong ties with China and HK gov by Legal Aid Department.
He also asked HK delegation to provide info on the procedure followed in taking legal actions on Chow Hang Tung under NSL, who often brought JR review suits and represented opposition and political figures.
In the joint submission from The 29 Principles and Lawyers for Lawyers, we mentioned Tong’s case as an example on how recent reform of Legal Aid Scheme affects the right of the defendant. And mentioned Chow's case to explain how lawyers are targeted and intimidated by state media.