Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen has reiterated that the Department of Justice recommends prosecution against former Chief Executive Donald Tsang on two counts of misconduct in public office contrary to common law, but not on matters relating to certain overseas trips he made.
Speaking to reporters today, Mr Yuen said the department made the recommendation after the Independent Commission Against Corruption had investigated these matters and the department had reviewed related evidence.
He said there was insufficient evidence to justify or warrant any criminal prosecution on matters relating to the trips abroad, having also consulted London Queen's Counsel on such prosecution's propriety.
He also said the decision to prosecute did not involve any political consideration, adding that it was made after careful and thorough consideration of available evidence and applicable law, and relevant provisions in the Prosecution Code.
Speaking to reporters in Shenzhen after attending a function, Chief Secretary Carrie Lam said the prosecution decision was made in compliance with Article 63 of the Basic Law, and was free from any interference.
She believed the judiciary will conduct a hearing independently and without interference and called on the community not to pre-judge the case.
