Australian Judge Robert French Resigns from Hong Kong's Top Court

French cites the diminishing relevance of foreign judges under political pressures as the latest resignation underscores concerns over Hong Kong's judicial independence.

• Robert French, former Chief Justice of Australia's High Court, has stepped down from his role as a non-permanent judge on Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal.
• French described the role of foreign judges on the court as increasingly outdated and symbolic, questioning their continued relevance in Hong Kong's legal system.
• He proposed a potential future role for international judges as part of an international commercial court in Hong Kong.
• This resignation is part of a broader trend, with the number of foreign judges on the court dropping from 15 to five since Beijing's 2020 national security law crackdown.
• The Hong Kong government expressed regret over French's departure but reiterated its commitment to judicial independence and the rule of law.

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The Sydney Morning Herald South China Morning Post