The Prosecutions Division of the Department of Justice today (December 19) released its annual report, "Prosecutions Hong Kong 2018", which reviews the Division's work and important cases of last year.

    In his letter presenting the report to the Secretary for Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr David Leung, SC, described the year 2018 as "an eventful year for the Division". He said, "Throughout the year, prosecutors in the Division upheld their role as 'ministers of justice' in pursuance of fair and independent prosecution."

    In the Director's Overview, Mr Leung reiterated that he was saddened by the accusation of "political prosecution". He emphasised that "we do not seek to secure a conviction at all costs. Our role is to ensure that every defendant receives a fair trial ... We prosecute in the name of the public for the good of Hong Kong. We shall do so even though it is an increasingly thankless task. We shall do so amidst tides of criticisms and abuses. We shall brave the storm, together as a Division; and with dignity, fulfil our duty to uphold justice. We strive to do our best to maintain a high quality prosecution service."

    On assumption of his office on December 29, 2017, Mr Leung determined to make it a goal for prosecutors in the Division to gain more exposure in court work and to enhance their advocacy skills. To pursue this goal in 2018, more junior prosecutors were assigned to prosecute trials and appeals together with more experienced prosecutors. As stated in the annual report, the Division also continued to conduct seminars and sharing sessions covering topical issues frequently to keep prosecutors abreast of the latest developments in procedural and substantive law, and arranged different local and overseas training courses to hone prosecutors' knowledge and skills necessary for a more efficient discharge of their duties.

 "Prosecutions Hong Kong 2018" is available on the website of the Department of Justice (www.doj.gov.hk/eng/public/yrreviewpd2018.html).

Ends/Thursday, December 19, 2019