HONG KONG - Lawyers defending Falun Gong members charged with public obstruction tried unsuccessfully Wednesday to have the judge handling the case dismissed, accusing him of being biased and hostile.
Paul Harris, one of three lawyers defending 16 Falun Gong followers charged with public obstruction in Hong Kong's first criminal case against members of the meditation sect, accused magistrate Symon Wong of showing "an apparent hostility." He said that would prevent the case from being judged fairly.
"Yesterday, you twice personally insulted me," Harris told Wong. "Justice can no longer be seen to be done."
Fellow defense lawyer John Clancey said Wong had accused them of conducting their defense in a "very sneaky and unprofessional manner."
"I've never, in 25 years of practice as a barrister, had my integrity questioned," Harris said, adding Wong had insulted him by telling him to "fight like a man."
Prosecutor Kevin Zervos defended Wong, contending that the magistrate was seeking to ensure the trial proceeded in a "proper and purposeful manner."
"You show total disrespect to this court. You should be absolutely ashamed of yourself," Zervos said, accusing Harris of making "an outrageous attack" on a judicial officer.
Wong also rejected accusations that he was biased against Falun Gong members and dismissed the defense's request that he withdraw from the case.
"Bias? No. There's no bias," Wong said. "My remarks were blunt but straight to the point. I do not feel it is necessary for me to dress up what I have to say to the defense counsel ... The court is not a packaging factory."
The apparent antagonism in the courtroom reflects tensions surrounding the case, which has raised fears that Hong Kong may curb human rights and clamp down on the sect, which is banned as an "evil cult" in mainland China but allowed here.
The Falun Gong members, including four Swiss nationals, were arrested on March 14 for alleged public obstruction during a protest outside the Chinese government liaison office here. The Swiss nationals joined the demonstration after they were refused entry to mainland China.