ICAC Statement
2004-8-13
The Department of Justice, on behalf of the ICAC, has filed a notice of appeal this (Friday) afternoon to the Court of Appeal over the judgement of the Court of First Instance in regard to applications made by Sing Tao Limited and a reporter to set aside ICAC's search warrants.
An ICAC spokesman said: "After studying the judgement in detail in consultation with the Department of Justice, the ICAC has decided to lodge an appeal in accordance with legal advice.
"Taking into consideration the far-reaching implications of the judgement on the legal procedures governing the handling of journalistic materials by law enforcement agencies, the ICAC and the Department of Justice wish to seek clarifications from the Cou rt of Appeal on certain law points and legal principles.
"Regardless of the outcome of the appeal, we believe a further ruling would provide clearer guidelines for law enforcement agencies to follow in future."
An ICAC spokesman said: "After studying the judgement in detail in consultation with the Department of Justice, the ICAC has decided to lodge an appeal in accordance with legal advice.
"Taking into consideration the far-reaching implications of the judgement on the legal procedures governing the handling of journalistic materials by law enforcement agencies, the ICAC and the Department of Justice wish to seek clarifications from the Cou rt of Appeal on certain law points and legal principles.
"Regardless of the outcome of the appeal, we believe a further ruling would provide clearer guidelines for law enforcement agencies to follow in future."