Hong Kong opposition politician Martin Lee stripped of JP title

Hong Kong veteran opposition politician and senior counsel Martin Lee Chu-ming has been stripped of his justice of the peace (JP) title.

A notice published in the government gazette said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu had revoked the civic honour of the Democratic Party’s founding chairman as of Friday.

While the notice did not state the reason, the Justices of the Peace Ordinance stipulates that the city leader may revoke a JP appointment if the person has been given a prison sentence – whether suspended or not – after being convicted of an offence in Hong Kong or any other jurisdiction.

Martin Lee, 86, was among seven opposition activists and lawmakers – including media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying – who lost a final appeal in August against their convictions for taking part in an illegal march during the 2019 anti-government protests.

The veteran democrat had been given an 11-month suspended sentence in April 2021 after a trial on the illegal demonstration that took place on August 18, 2019.

The opposition politician declined to comment on the government’s move on Friday when approached by the Post.