The Department of Justice said it has referred insulting comments against a judge – who sentenced activist Edward Leung to six years in jail for rioting – to the police.
The department said that the conduct of some members of the public against Madam Justice Anthea Pang may constitute contempt of court.
It said it will work closely with the police to consider the case “fairly and in accordance with the Prosecution Code, the applicable legal principles and relevant evidence.”
“The DoJ reminds the public to respect the rule of law and judicial independence, the latter being one of the most important facets of the rule of law,” a statement from the department said.
“Whilst members of the public is entitled to, within the permissible legal boundaries, to express one’s opinion rationally or engage in informed discussions about the court’s decision and related matters, this has to be done within the limit permitted by the law and with respect for judicial independence.”
“Personal or scandalous attacks or insulting comments on judges or acts undermining judicial independence or in contempt of court are absolutely forbidden.”
The department added that an accused is entitled to lodge an appeal against sentence if he is dissatisfied with it.
On Monday, Pang also sentenced Lo Kin-man to seven years in jail – the highest ever in record for rioting – and Wong Ka-kui to 3.5 years in jail, after Wong pleaded guilty to a rioting charge.
