(Joint release by the Court and the Public Prosecutions Office) The Opening Ceremony of the 2021/2022 Judicial Year was held at the Macao Cultural Centre on 20 October at 15:30. The Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng presided over the ceremony and delivered an address. Speeches were also delivered by the President of the Court of Final Appeal Sam Hou Fai, the Prosecutor General Ip Son Sang, and the President of the Macau Lawyers’ Association Jorge Neto Valente.

In response to epidemic prevention measures issued by the Macao SAR Government, attendance at the Ceremony was limited. Invited guests included officials from Central Government agencies in Macao, heads of SAR legislative bodies, principal officials of the SAR Government, members of the Executive Council, Legislative Assembly members, judges and prosecutors, as well as representatives from lawyers’ association.

In accordance with epidemic prevention guidelines issued by the Health Bureau, all attendees were required to have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (those medically ineligible for vaccination had to present a doctor’s assessment certificate), hold a valid green code on the Macao Health Code and a negative nucleic acid test result within 48 hours prior to the event, and have their body temperature checked and be within normal range before entering the venue. Face masks were worn throughout the Ceremony.