Heightened security measures were implemented at Hong Kong courts on Tuesday, a day after a magistrate narrowly escaped a violent attack by a knife-wielding assailant during a court hearing.
Multiple police officers and security personnel were deployed at the entrances of the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Court, with visitors required to undergo security screening before entering the premises. Security guards were also stationed on each floor, and visitors were prohibited from bringing water and sharp objects into the building.
The increased security comes in the wake of Monday’s incident, where a 32-year-old man, surnamed Lee, who had a history of psychiatric issues, suddenly rushed towards the magistrate’s bench and attempted to attack the presiding judge, Edward Wong Ching-yu.
Wong managed to evade the assault unharmed, but three police officers sustained minor injuries while subduing the assailant. Authorities later seized four knives, six bottles of flammable liquid, and powder from Lee, who was reportedly dissatisfied with a previous judgment handed down by Wong.
“I think today they only checked my bag. Still, those incidents don’t happen often, and there is no need to exaggerate,” said a man surnamed Mak, who was visiting the court. Another visitor felt the security measures were reasonable in light of the attack, noting, “I think [the security check] is quite good now and they are doing a good job.”
The Judiciary has strongly condemned the attack and announced that it will gradually enhance security measures at all magistrates’ courts across Hong Kong over the next three months, including the installation of metal detectors and a ban on liquids.
Election Committee sector lawmaker Doreen Kong Yuk-foon, who is also a solicitor, expressed shock at the incident and called on the Judiciary to equip court police with more combat gear, such as firearms and shields, to better protect judges and court personnel.
“Court police are typically middle-aged, and if they are not equipped with firearms or lacking other equipment, will they be able to confront highly-armed individuals?” Kong said in a radio interview.
The heightened security measures are a stark reminder of the risks faced by judicial officers in Hong Kong, as they strive to maintain the integrity of the legal system in the face of growing social tensions and individual grievances.
