British judge on Hong Kong’s top court, facing criticism, quits media freedom group’s advisory panel

HONG KONG — A British judge who was part of a Hong Kong court panel that unanimously dismissed an appeal from imprisoned prominent publisher Jimmy Lai and six former pro-democracy lawmakers has quit his position on an advisory board to an international media freedom group because of concerns over his role on the city’s top court. David Neuberger, a non-permanent overseas judge on Hong Kong’s highest court, announced his decision to step down as chair of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom in a statement dated Wednesday. Its director of campaigns, Rebecca Vincent, said it has been disappointed by Neuberger’s continued involvement with the Hong Kong courts during an unprecedented decline in media freedom and rule of law in the city. One of the judges, Jonathan Sumption, said he stepped down because rule of law in the city is in “grave danger” and judges operate in an “impossible political environment created by China.” The other, Lawrence Collins, said his resignation was “because of the political situation in Hong Kong.” But he said he continues “to have the fullest confidence in the court and the total independence of its members.” Hong Kong currently has seven non-permanent overseas judges.