A council member of a professional group of solicitors in Hong Kong on Saturday dropped his bid to seek re-election next week, citing fears for his safety and that of his family.
FILE PHOTO: Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam attends a news conference in Hong KongBy Scott Murdoch and Anne Marie Roantree
Although officials in Hong Kong and Beijing have rejected these concerns, the normally low-key polls have drawn unusual levels of scrutiny from pro-Beijing media and senior city officials. "For my safety and the safety of my family I am announcing my intention to withdraw my name as candidate," the lawyer, Jonathan Ross, said in a statement, without specifying the risks impelling what is seen as a rare step.
While the Law Society is seen as more conservative than the barristers' Bar Association, both bodies have traditionally had a watchdog role over legal changes, and are represented on a panel that recommends judges' appointments.Four of the 11 candidates, including Ross, vying for five council seats in Tuesday's election had been considered relatively outspoken, which has raised fears among some government officials of an emerging political agenda.
Some lawyers said Ross' move was rare for a generally low-profile group drawn from solicitors in the commercial sector, calling it a sign of the tension in the city.
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