Exodus of Overseas Judges Puts Hong Kong's Judicial Independence in Jeopardy

Former Chief Justice of Canada's Supreme Court, Beverly McLachlin, has resigned from Hong Kong's top court, joining several other overseas judges. The resignations highlight growing concerns over the erosion of judicial independence in Hong Kong, influenced by China's increasing political control.

Beverly McLachlin, the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, has announced her resignation from Hong Kong's top court. The move comes amidst a wave of resignations by overseas judges, raising significant concerns about the erosion of judicial independence in the region.

On the same day, British judge Jonathan Sumption, who resigned last week, publicly criticized the deteriorating rule of law in Hong Kong. In an article for the Financial Times, Sumption described an 'impossible political environment' and a growing 'paranoia of the authorities.'

The exit of these high-profile judges is seen as a response to China's tightening grip on Hong Kong. Rights groups argue that the 2020 national security law has severely undermined judicial independence, leading to numerous arrests of pro-democracy activists.

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