AP: Falun Gong Lawyer Accuses HK Judge Of Bias In Court

HONG KONG (AP)--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 defense lawyers, 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." [..]

The apparent antagonism in the courtroom reflects tensions surrounding the case, the first time [practitioners have] been taken to court in Hong Kong. This has raised fears that Hong Kong may curb human rights and clamp down on [Falun Gong], which is banned..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.