The Government will not tolerate illegal acts which disregard the law and undermine the rule of law, the Department of Justice said today in response to the criminal intimidation against a judge.

In its statement, the department pointed out that a judge, in exercising judicial power, is required to handle cases strictly in accordance with the law and evidence.

Article 85 of the Basic Law also stipulates that the courts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference.

Regarding a judge who received intimidation when performing judicial duties, the Government noted that it will take resolute action and Police are following up on the case to apprehend the culprit.

Under section 24 of the Crimes Ordinance, anyone who threatens any other person with injury to him or her shall be guilty and liable to imprisonment of five years. Members of the public are urged not to break the law.