Security at Kowloon City court on Tuesday was ramped up a day after a man was arrested for allegedly attempting to attack a magistrate who had earlier convicted him. The judiciary said it will “progressively implement enhanced security measures”, such as bag screenings and deploying extra manpower. An RTHK reporter at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts saw security personnel asking people to open their bags for inspections outside courtrooms. People were asked to empty their water bottles and sharp objects were not allowed in. “If these items are discovered, we will call the police,” a notice displayed at the screening area read. In a courtroom mainly hearing criminal cases, roughly three security guards were present and about four police officers were in the dock. On floors without courtrooms, security checks were not required. Sources suggest Edward Wong was the magistrate who was allegedly targeted as court proceedings were underway on Monday. The court diary on the judiciary’s website showed Wong was not presiding over any cases on Tuesday. Unlike West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts, where national security cases are heard, there are no walk-through metal detectors and people are not asked to empty their pockets at the Kowloon City courthouse.
