"Davis Polk Asia chair withdraws from Hong Kong security law forum" 21 May 2022

The Asia chair of US law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell has pulled out of a Hong Kong government forum commemorating the introduction of a national security law that heralded a crackdown on the city’s democratic opposition.

Martin Rogers was criticised after he said he was “honoured” to speak at the event which was to feature speeches by Hong Kong officials who have had sanctions imposed on them by the US government for their role in the clampdown.

“I have decided to withdraw from speaking at the May 28 National Security Law Legal Forum,” Rogers said in a social media post on Sunday. “My agreement to participate did not reflect an endorsement or support of any topics discussed or individuals or organisations involved.” [...]

Critics said the decision to appear at the event suggested Davis Polk was in favour of the security law, under which newspapers have been forced to close and civil society groups shuttered.

“It certainly gives the appearance that the firm is endorsing the Hong Kong national security law,” Michael Davis, a former law professor at the University of Hong Kong and a global fellow at the Wilson Center in Washington DC, said. “The firm should be aware that the security law has been used to lock up almost the entire opposition in Hong Kong and has had a dramatic effect on basic freedoms.” [...]