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Jimmy Lai files another judicial review over British lawyer’s work visa application
Jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying has filed yet another judicial review to the High Court, asking the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, chaired by city leader John Lee Ka-chiu, to retract the ruling that says allowing Lai to hire British lawyer Tim Owen KC could constitute a national security risk.
According to the writ submitted on Tuesday, Lai also asked the Immigration Department to retract its decision to reject the work visa application filed by Owen.
The writ said Lai learned on March 20 about the declaration made by the Director of Immigration for a previous review filed by Lai, which revealed that the director was advised by the Committee of Safeguarding National Security in January to reject Owen’s application for a work visa again.
The declaration also noted that the ruling by the committee will not be challenged a judicial review and the director will respect the committee’s suggestions to take actions.
Lai’s writ continued that it is not mentioned in articles of the Hong Kong National Security Law and last year’s law interpretation by the National People’s Congress that the committee has the power to decide if an overseas lawyer can or cannot represent a defendant in a national security trial.
The writ then accused the committee is acting beyond its authority and noted the matter should be decided by whether or not the chief executive is handing down a certificate.
The writ listed the committee and the Director of Immigration as the respondents. So far, no hearing has been scheduled by the court.
The previous judicial review sees Lai asking the High Court to rule that the NPC’s law interpretation will not affect him hiring Owen as approved by the Court of Final Appeal.
The writ said Lai learned on March 20 about the declaration made by the Director of Immigration for a previous review filed by Lai, which revealed that the director was advised by the Committee of Safeguarding National Security in January to reject Owen’s application for a work visa again.
The declaration also noted that the ruling by the committee will not be challenged a judicial review and the director will respect the committee’s suggestions to take actions.
Lai’s writ continued that it is not mentioned in articles of the Hong Kong National Security Law and last year’s law interpretation by the National People’s Congress that the committee has the power to decide if an overseas lawyer can or cannot represent a defendant in a national security trial.
The writ then accused the committee is acting beyond its authority and noted the matter should be decided by whether or not the chief executive is handing down a certificate.
The writ listed the committee and the Director of Immigration as the respondents. So far, no hearing has been scheduled by the court.
The previous judicial review sees Lai asking the High Court to rule that the NPC’s law interpretation will not affect him hiring Owen as approved by the Court of Final Appeal.
