Hong Kong’s judiciary has strongly condemned a call by US congressional advisers for sanctions on 29 judges tasked with hearing national security cases, labelling the move a “direct affront” to the independence of the courts.

A judiciary spokesman on Friday said attempts to exert pressure on judges were unacceptable, hours after the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China published its report calling for the penalties.

“The rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong are guaranteed under the Basic Law,” the spokesman said. He noted that all judicial officers, including judges, must abide by their oath to administer justice in accordance with the law.