In a significant development for Hong Kong's judiciary, Australian judge Robert French has announced his resignation from the Court of Final Appeal, marking a continuation of the alarming trend of overseas judges leaving in the wake of the controversial national security law imposed by Beijing.

Judge French, who previously served as Chief Justice of Australia's High Court, initially joined Hong Kong's bench in 2017. His decision to step down, effective immediately, was confirmed by the city's judiciary, which noted that his term was originally slated to last until May 2026. Despite his departure, officials reassured the public that the court's operations would remain unaffected.

Expressing respect for Hong Kong and its remaining foreign judges, Judge French pointed out that the role of overseas members in the Court of Final Appeal has become increasingly "anachronistic and arguably cosmetic." His resignation reflects a broader sentiment among foreign judges concerning the erosion of judicial independence.

Since the implementation of the national security law in 2020, aimed at quelling pro-democracy protests, Hong Kong has witnessed a notable exodus of foreign jurists. This law, which criminalizes acts of secession and subversion with severe penalties, has led to a tightening grip on dissent and has resulted in hundreds of arrests.

French joins a growing list of six international judges who have vacated their seats before the completion of their terms, while four others have opted not to renew their appointments. His resignation comes shortly after Judge Jonathan Sumption from the UK also stepped down, citing significant compromises to the rule of law in Hong Kong.

The status of foreign judges in Hong Kong's legal system has diminished sharply; the number of overseas judges has plummeted from a high of 15 down to just five. The city's Chief Justice, responsible for selecting foreign judges, recently acknowledged that attracting suitable candidates has become increasingly challenging amid geopolitical tensions.

The government has defended the national security law as essential for maintaining order, yet critics argue that it undermines the very foundation of the legal system that once distinguished Hong Kong as a robust legal hub in Asia.