Hong Kong-based general counsel Jonathan Ross has withdrawn from the body’s leadership election, which is set to take place Aug. 24.

“For my safety, and the safety of my family, I am announcing my intention to withdraw my name as a candidate for reelection to the Council of the Law Society of Hong Kong,” Ross said in a statement Aug. 21. “It is a shameful and sad day for Hong Kong that an election for council of our honourable institution has sunk to this level.”