The Department of Justice’s (DoJ) Prosecutions Division today published online a yearly review of its prosecution work in 2022.

The department explained that it controls criminal prosecutions, by virtue of Basic Law Article 63, free from any interference.

It emphasised that independent prosecutorial decisions for each case are made in a rigorous and objective manner, strictly based on evidence and applicable laws and in accordance with the Prosecution Code.

Prosecutions would be instituted by the DoJ only if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction, and if it is in the public interest to do so, the department added.

In the Director’s Overview of Prosecutions Hong Kong 2022, Director of Public Prosecutions Maggie Yang pointed out that DoJ prosecutors continued to uphold their role as ministers of justice in pursuance of fair and independent prosecution.

When conducting prosecutions, prosecutors should present evidence objectively, exercise firm but courteous advocacy, and disclose material that may assist an accused actively, she added.

She also highlighted the important achievements made last year, such as streamlining the division’s work process, arranging training for prosecutors, and organising outreach activities to promote the criminal justice system.