#JointStatement #PressFreedom
Student Reporters Group denounces Police’s attempt to re-define “Media Representatives”, calling it a decoy to licensing regime on journalists
Responding to the Police’s attempt to re-define “Media Representatives” in Police General Orders, refusing to recognize accreditation from Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) and Hong Kong Press Photographers Association (#HKPPA), 5 student press groups of local universities and institutions, joining over 48 online news outlets and 8 press unions, also denounced the Police’s unilateral revision of definition.
The group of student reporters pointed out in their statement that the revision is a decoy to licensing regime on journalists, which is meant to encroach, in particularly, the rights of web-based media, civil journalists and school press to report, depriving their freedom of speech.
Source: RTHK #Sept23
======
Joint Statement by Over 48 Online News Outlets, Sept 22, 2020: "We Will Keep Reporting: A Petition Against Police-determined Media Whitelists"
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2793962724158529/
8 Press Associations and Unions in Hong Kong Call On HK Police to Withdraw Unilateral Revision of "Media Representative"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25450
Student Reporters Group denounces Police’s attempt to re-define “Media Representatives”, calling it a decoy to licensing regime on journalists
Responding to the Police’s attempt to re-define “Media Representatives” in Police General Orders, refusing to recognize accreditation from Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) and Hong Kong Press Photographers Association (#HKPPA), 5 student press groups of local universities and institutions, joining over 48 online news outlets and 8 press unions, also denounced the Police’s unilateral revision of definition.
The group of student reporters pointed out in their statement that the revision is a decoy to licensing regime on journalists, which is meant to encroach, in particularly, the rights of web-based media, civil journalists and school press to report, depriving their freedom of speech.
Source: RTHK #Sept23
======
Joint Statement by Over 48 Online News Outlets, Sept 22, 2020: "We Will Keep Reporting: A Petition Against Police-determined Media Whitelists"
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2793962724158529/
8 Press Associations and Unions in Hong Kong Call On HK Police to Withdraw Unilateral Revision of "Media Representative"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25450
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#JointStatement
Press Associations and Unions in Hong Kong Call On HK Police to Withdraw Unilateral Revision of "Media Representative"
Hong Kong Journalists Association, Hong Kong Press Photographers Association and several press unions issued a joint statement…
Press Associations and Unions in Hong Kong Call On HK Police to Withdraw Unilateral Revision of "Media Representative"
Hong Kong Journalists Association, Hong Kong Press Photographers Association and several press unions issued a joint statement…
#Statement #PressFreedom
Hong Kong Jounalists and Press Unions might Take Legal Action in a bid to Safeguard Press Freedom
Journalists, media groups and unions in Hong Kong have voiced opposition to HK Police’s unilateral redefinition of “Media Representative” in Police General Orders.
In a press conference held on September 24, 2020, eight media unions called on all media organizations to stand in solidarity against the police's latest act. They pointed out that it is evident that the police is treating the media as their enemy.
The vice-chairman of Hong Kong Journalists' Association (#HKJA) Ronson Chan said that the Association was currently seeking legal opinions and might submit a judicial review.
The Association condemned the police for misleading the public over the 'benefits' of the amendment. Chan emphasized that the change of definition would restrict news reporting in all areas, cordoned or not.
The Association also rejected the police’s accusation of “fake journalists” which has no factual backup.
The HKJA Chairman Chris Yeung expressed worries over the police's treatment of the press. Yeung challenged he police's subjective claim of assisting the reporters when their operation efficiency is not undermined.
The HKJA raised 3 demands:
1. The police must immediately withdraw the amendment; otherwise, the Association would seek solution via possible legal actions.
2. The police shall stop imposing restrictions on media arrangements by setting up interview areas and cordoned areas.
3. It is hoped that the police will respect press freedom and the right of media as it has openly pledged.
Civil Rights Watch also issued a statement expressing grave concern over the police's violation of press freedom guaranteed by the Basic Law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Watch pointed out that police’s act will create “unreasonable obstacles to front-line journalists”, undermining personal safety and legal rights of the press.
Source: Apple Daily; RTHK #Sept24
https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20200924/PHQEAFUSFFGHTNPZ577DELK46U/
Related News
==================
International Federation of Journalists Condemn Hong Kong Authorities For Imposing State Control Over Journalists
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25484
Joint Statement by Over 48 Online News Outlets, Sept 22, 2020: "We Will Keep Reporting: A Petition Against Police-determined Media Whitelists"
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2793962724158529/
Journalism Schools and Student Reporters Groups Denounce Police’s attempt to Re-define “Media Representatives”
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25470
8 Press Associations and Unions in Hong Kong Call On HK Police to Withdraw Unilateral Revision of "Media Representative"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25450
Hong Kong Jounalists and Press Unions might Take Legal Action in a bid to Safeguard Press Freedom
Journalists, media groups and unions in Hong Kong have voiced opposition to HK Police’s unilateral redefinition of “Media Representative” in Police General Orders.
In a press conference held on September 24, 2020, eight media unions called on all media organizations to stand in solidarity against the police's latest act. They pointed out that it is evident that the police is treating the media as their enemy.
The vice-chairman of Hong Kong Journalists' Association (#HKJA) Ronson Chan said that the Association was currently seeking legal opinions and might submit a judicial review.
The Association condemned the police for misleading the public over the 'benefits' of the amendment. Chan emphasized that the change of definition would restrict news reporting in all areas, cordoned or not.
The Association also rejected the police’s accusation of “fake journalists” which has no factual backup.
The HKJA Chairman Chris Yeung expressed worries over the police's treatment of the press. Yeung challenged he police's subjective claim of assisting the reporters when their operation efficiency is not undermined.
The HKJA raised 3 demands:
1. The police must immediately withdraw the amendment; otherwise, the Association would seek solution via possible legal actions.
2. The police shall stop imposing restrictions on media arrangements by setting up interview areas and cordoned areas.
3. It is hoped that the police will respect press freedom and the right of media as it has openly pledged.
Civil Rights Watch also issued a statement expressing grave concern over the police's violation of press freedom guaranteed by the Basic Law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Watch pointed out that police’s act will create “unreasonable obstacles to front-line journalists”, undermining personal safety and legal rights of the press.
Source: Apple Daily; RTHK #Sept24
https://hk.appledaily.com/local/20200924/PHQEAFUSFFGHTNPZ577DELK46U/
Related News
==================
International Federation of Journalists Condemn Hong Kong Authorities For Imposing State Control Over Journalists
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25484
Joint Statement by Over 48 Online News Outlets, Sept 22, 2020: "We Will Keep Reporting: A Petition Against Police-determined Media Whitelists"
https://www.facebook.com/2406628919558580/posts/2793962724158529/
Journalism Schools and Student Reporters Groups Denounce Police’s attempt to Re-define “Media Representatives”
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25470
8 Press Associations and Unions in Hong Kong Call On HK Police to Withdraw Unilateral Revision of "Media Representative"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25450
#PressFreedom
HKJA Sends Observer to Inspect Police's Treatment towards Press
1430 | #CausewayBay #CWB
Today, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) sent Bruce Lui, Senior Lecturer of the Hong Kong Baptist University and independent columnist, as observer to inspect and record whether journalists would receive more unfair treatment after the shift in General Orders.
Bruce Lui told the press that as no large crashes had happened so far, he was not able to observe how the police treat the press. He pointed out HKJA will also take note of whether the police had provided adequate space for interviews. He also mentioned he would notice the safety of student journalists from HKBU reporting the scene. “But after the change in general orders, student reporters may have to bear legal consequences, including being charged with unlawful assembly or the gathering ban.” He castigated the police, "this is not reasonable.”
Source: InMedia #Oct1
#PoliceState #WhiteTerror #Journalism #BruceLui
HKJA Sends Observer to Inspect Police's Treatment towards Press
1430 | #CausewayBay #CWB
Today, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) sent Bruce Lui, Senior Lecturer of the Hong Kong Baptist University and independent columnist, as observer to inspect and record whether journalists would receive more unfair treatment after the shift in General Orders.
Bruce Lui told the press that as no large crashes had happened so far, he was not able to observe how the police treat the press. He pointed out HKJA will also take note of whether the police had provided adequate space for interviews. He also mentioned he would notice the safety of student journalists from HKBU reporting the scene. “But after the change in general orders, student reporters may have to bear legal consequences, including being charged with unlawful assembly or the gathering ban.” He castigated the police, "this is not reasonable.”
Source: InMedia #Oct1
#PoliceState #WhiteTerror #Journalism #BruceLui
#PressFreedom #RTHK
Arrested News Docu Producer Reminds Journalists: Carry on what we ought to do
On Nov 3, 2020, the Hong Kong police arrested Bao Choy, a RTHK producer who took part in investigative reports about police brutality and misconduct.
The police accused Choy of making a false declaration while conducting licence plate searches of vehicles allegedly connected to the white-clad gangsters involved in the mob attack in Yuen Long on July 21, 219.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) comdemned the authorities for "exhausting every possible way to suppress" media workers who try to uncover the truth.
RTHK's director of broadcast Leung Ka-shu, who has been attacked by Beijing loyalists, expressed concern over the grave impact on RTHK staff and its consequence.
The chairman of HKJA, Chris Yeung, also pointed out that “the immediate question is whether reporters will still be comfortable to do regular vehicle licence checks, as they have been for years, because there is now a risk they may face charges”.
On the evening of Nov 3, 2020, Choy on bail met with the press outside Taipo Police Station. She thanked fellow media workers for their concern and hopes journalists in Hong Kong could stay unswayed and uphold professionalism. "Carry on what we ought to do," said Choy.
Source: Apple Daily; InMedia; RTHK #Nov3
https://bit.ly/2JzbGdB
#Arrest #WhiteTerror #BaoChoy #Journalism #HongKongConnection
=====
Police Arrests Journalist of News Programme Addressing Police-Triad Alleged Collusion during Yuen Long 7.21 Triad Attack
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/26379
Arrested News Docu Producer Reminds Journalists: Carry on what we ought to do
On Nov 3, 2020, the Hong Kong police arrested Bao Choy, a RTHK producer who took part in investigative reports about police brutality and misconduct.
The police accused Choy of making a false declaration while conducting licence plate searches of vehicles allegedly connected to the white-clad gangsters involved in the mob attack in Yuen Long on July 21, 219.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) comdemned the authorities for "exhausting every possible way to suppress" media workers who try to uncover the truth.
RTHK's director of broadcast Leung Ka-shu, who has been attacked by Beijing loyalists, expressed concern over the grave impact on RTHK staff and its consequence.
The chairman of HKJA, Chris Yeung, also pointed out that “the immediate question is whether reporters will still be comfortable to do regular vehicle licence checks, as they have been for years, because there is now a risk they may face charges”.
On the evening of Nov 3, 2020, Choy on bail met with the press outside Taipo Police Station. She thanked fellow media workers for their concern and hopes journalists in Hong Kong could stay unswayed and uphold professionalism. "Carry on what we ought to do," said Choy.
Source: Apple Daily; InMedia; RTHK #Nov3
https://bit.ly/2JzbGdB
#Arrest #WhiteTerror #BaoChoy #Journalism #HongKongConnection
=====
Police Arrests Journalist of News Programme Addressing Police-Triad Alleged Collusion during Yuen Long 7.21 Triad Attack
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/26379
獨立媒體
《鏗鏘集》編導蔡玉玲被控虛假陳述 勉勵同業續「無畏無懼無私」 | 獨媒報導 | 獨立媒體
（獨媒報導）參與製作港台節目《鏗鏘集：7.21誰主真相》編導蔡玉玲，被指以不正當資料作車輛查冊，涉嫌違反《道路交通條例》，遭警方以作出虛假陳述起訴。蔡玉玲傍晚保釋後，在大埔警署外見記者。她先感謝記者關心，又希望香港的新聞工作者能繼續信守「無畏無懼無私」的價值，「繼續做我哋應該做嘅嘢」。 蔡玉玲見記者時表現冷靜，表示案件涉及香港電台作為新聞機構的角色
#MediaFreedom
Hong Kong Police arrest #RTHK producer Bao Choy, #HKJA: 'Police is picking on media'
Source: InMedia #Nov5
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Hong Kong Police arrest #RTHK producer Bao Choy, #HKJA: 'Police is picking on media'
Source: InMedia #Nov5
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#MediaFreedom
Hong Kong Police arrest #RTHK producer Bao Choy, #HKJA: 'Police is picking on media'
Hong Kong police arrested the producer of the RTHK programme 'Hong Kong Connection', Bao Choy Yuk-ling, on Nov 3, 2020.
Hong Kong's major media unions including the RTHK Programme Staff Union criticized the police's unreasonable attack on the freedom of press at a joint press conference held on two days later on Nov 5, 2020.
Chiu Sin-yan, the chairwoman of the RTHK Programme Staff Union said that they had been discussing the arrest with the RTHK management and urged the management to offer assistance to Choy. Chiu added that RTHK would continue with its investigative reporting, stick to the common practice of using public records in their investigations, and uphold press freedom, as the case had not been closed.
Yeung Kin-hing, chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalist Association (HKJA) said that police was picking on media in Hong Kong, and HKJA was seeking legal advice about the arrest. He then challenged that if government still regards press freedom and public's right to know as parts of public interest. He added that the small-scale and online news media could not afford any lawsuits, and slammed government for 'this ludicrous attack on journalists'.
Hui Fong-man, the chairperson of the Ming Pao Staff Association stressed that using the public records was a common practice in investigating the interest-based relationship and identities. The government's outlawing of this routine practice without any consultation with the media industry amounts to 'setting a trap for the journalists' , as how the boundary line is drawn is unknown.
Lam Ching-kit, the representative of the Journalism Educators for Press Freedom, and senior lecturer of Journalism and Communication Department of Chu Hai College said that checking public records had always been a legitimate fact-checking exercise, which also provides information for analysis in journalism students' reports. Journalism education will be affected by this arrest, as teachers cannot ask students to bear such risk, related reports and investigations will be thereby delayed.
Source: InMedia#Nov5
https://bit.ly/3mT057t
#pressfreedom #RTHKarrest
Hong Kong Police arrest #RTHK producer Bao Choy, #HKJA: 'Police is picking on media'
Hong Kong police arrested the producer of the RTHK programme 'Hong Kong Connection', Bao Choy Yuk-ling, on Nov 3, 2020.
Hong Kong's major media unions including the RTHK Programme Staff Union criticized the police's unreasonable attack on the freedom of press at a joint press conference held on two days later on Nov 5, 2020.
Chiu Sin-yan, the chairwoman of the RTHK Programme Staff Union said that they had been discussing the arrest with the RTHK management and urged the management to offer assistance to Choy. Chiu added that RTHK would continue with its investigative reporting, stick to the common practice of using public records in their investigations, and uphold press freedom, as the case had not been closed.
Yeung Kin-hing, chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalist Association (HKJA) said that police was picking on media in Hong Kong, and HKJA was seeking legal advice about the arrest. He then challenged that if government still regards press freedom and public's right to know as parts of public interest. He added that the small-scale and online news media could not afford any lawsuits, and slammed government for 'this ludicrous attack on journalists'.
Hui Fong-man, the chairperson of the Ming Pao Staff Association stressed that using the public records was a common practice in investigating the interest-based relationship and identities. The government's outlawing of this routine practice without any consultation with the media industry amounts to 'setting a trap for the journalists' , as how the boundary line is drawn is unknown.
Lam Ching-kit, the representative of the Journalism Educators for Press Freedom, and senior lecturer of Journalism and Communication Department of Chu Hai College said that checking public records had always been a legitimate fact-checking exercise, which also provides information for analysis in journalism students' reports. Journalism education will be affected by this arrest, as teachers cannot ask students to bear such risk, related reports and investigations will be thereby delayed.
Source: InMedia#Nov5
https://bit.ly/3mT057t
#pressfreedom #RTHKarrest
#Breaking #PressFreedom
Police Requires Name Registration in Protest, Government's Chief Secretary Rejects HKJA's Application Entirely
Hongkongers were once again disappointed by the Hong Kong SAR Government, after the Chief Secretary rejected a protest application filed by the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA).
This protest decrying the erosion of press freedom was planned to take place on Hong Kong island on Sunday, November 15, 2020. The organizers hope to use this protest to show discontent toward the authorities' arrest and prosecution of #RTHK producer Choy Yuk-ling (#BaoChoy).
The police originally banned the protest, but the Appeal Board ruled in favour of the HKJA on Nov 13. However, the police imposed a name registration system and limited the participants to 1,000 media workers, journalism students and faculty at higher education institutes. The police required all protesters to register their names, in addition to wearing a mask and filling out a health declaration form. The authorities will take photos to monitor participants and their compliance with social distancing measures.
If the Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung would have given a green light, the Sunday's rally would probably be the first protest since a very long time in Hong Kong. In any case, the police's request of a 'black-and-white' name registration has revealed their intent to create new 'rules' to tighten control.
After the Appeal Board announced the decision on the afternoon of Nov 13, HKJA vice-chairman Ronson Chan said he was hopeful towards a positive response from Cheung, as he doesn't think the Chief Secretary would "evade his responsibility".
However, after midnight on November 14, the HKJA released an update that the Chief Secretary has rejected their protest application.
The Hong Kong SAR government has banned protests and rallies for months, including the annual June 4 Tiananmen massacre vigil in Victoria Park and the annual July 1 rally organised by the Civic Human Rights Front, citing the coronavirus pandemic as a reason.
Source: InMedia; PSHK; RTHK #Nov13
https://bit.ly/3niDDoA
Police Requires Name Registration in Protest, Government's Chief Secretary Rejects HKJA's Application Entirely
Hongkongers were once again disappointed by the Hong Kong SAR Government, after the Chief Secretary rejected a protest application filed by the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA).
This protest decrying the erosion of press freedom was planned to take place on Hong Kong island on Sunday, November 15, 2020. The organizers hope to use this protest to show discontent toward the authorities' arrest and prosecution of #RTHK producer Choy Yuk-ling (#BaoChoy).
The police originally banned the protest, but the Appeal Board ruled in favour of the HKJA on Nov 13. However, the police imposed a name registration system and limited the participants to 1,000 media workers, journalism students and faculty at higher education institutes. The police required all protesters to register their names, in addition to wearing a mask and filling out a health declaration form. The authorities will take photos to monitor participants and their compliance with social distancing measures.
If the Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung would have given a green light, the Sunday's rally would probably be the first protest since a very long time in Hong Kong. In any case, the police's request of a 'black-and-white' name registration has revealed their intent to create new 'rules' to tighten control.
After the Appeal Board announced the decision on the afternoon of Nov 13, HKJA vice-chairman Ronson Chan said he was hopeful towards a positive response from Cheung, as he doesn't think the Chief Secretary would "evade his responsibility".
However, after midnight on November 14, the HKJA released an update that the Chief Secretary has rejected their protest application.
The Hong Kong SAR government has banned protests and rallies for months, including the annual June 4 Tiananmen massacre vigil in Victoria Park and the annual July 1 rally organised by the Civic Human Rights Front, citing the coronavirus pandemic as a reason.
Source: InMedia; PSHK; RTHK #Nov13
https://bit.ly/3niDDoA
#PressFreedom #WhiteTerror
Television documentary leading to HK journalist’s arrest shortlisted for Asian Television Awards
On November 3, 2020, Hong Kong Police arrested RTHK journalist Choy Yuk-ling (a.k.a. #BaoChoy) for violating the Road Traffic Ordinance, concerning searches done at an openly accessible Transport Department database on car owner information. The searches were carried out for a television documentary about an alleged police-mobster collusion in July 2019.
The television documentary, titled "7.21 Who Owns the Truth", showed white-clad mobsters carrying weapons gathered in Yuen Long town area before attacking passengers of West Rail train at Yuen Long Station. Police officers sighted at neighbouring scenes failed to intervene and showed friendly gestures towards them.
A day after Bao Choy was arrested, the said television documentary she produced was reportedly shortlisted for the 25th Asian Television Awards, a substantial recognition of Choy's professionalism.
[Editor’s Notes
The Asia Television Awards, held since 1996, are the most prominent and recognised events in the Asian television industry, with a judging panel of more than 60 professionals from different regions.]
Source: Cupid News #Nov4 https://www.facebook.com/117540932243292/posts/680432435954136/?d=n
======
Related articles
Hong Kong Police arrest #RTHK producer Bao Choy, #HKJA: 'Police is picking on media'
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/26518
Arrested News Docu Producer Reminds Journalists: Carry on what we ought to do
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/26384
Police Arrests Journalist of News Programme Addressing Police-Triad Alleged Collusion during Yuen Long 7.21 Triad Attack
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/26378
#YuenLong721 #Professionalism #PoliceState #PoliticalPersecution #ChoyYukLing #HongKongConnection #AwardWinning #AsiaTelevisionAwards
Television documentary leading to HK journalist’s arrest shortlisted for Asian Television Awards
On November 3, 2020, Hong Kong Police arrested RTHK journalist Choy Yuk-ling (a.k.a. #BaoChoy) for violating the Road Traffic Ordinance, concerning searches done at an openly accessible Transport Department database on car owner information. The searches were carried out for a television documentary about an alleged police-mobster collusion in July 2019.
The television documentary, titled "7.21 Who Owns the Truth", showed white-clad mobsters carrying weapons gathered in Yuen Long town area before attacking passengers of West Rail train at Yuen Long Station. Police officers sighted at neighbouring scenes failed to intervene and showed friendly gestures towards them.
A day after Bao Choy was arrested, the said television documentary she produced was reportedly shortlisted for the 25th Asian Television Awards, a substantial recognition of Choy's professionalism.
[Editor’s Notes
The Asia Television Awards, held since 1996, are the most prominent and recognised events in the Asian television industry, with a judging panel of more than 60 professionals from different regions.]
Source: Cupid News #Nov4 https://www.facebook.com/117540932243292/posts/680432435954136/?d=n
======
Related articles
Hong Kong Police arrest #RTHK producer Bao Choy, #HKJA: 'Police is picking on media'
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/26518
Arrested News Docu Producer Reminds Journalists: Carry on what we ought to do
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/26384
Police Arrests Journalist of News Programme Addressing Police-Triad Alleged Collusion during Yuen Long 7.21 Triad Attack
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/26378
#YuenLong721 #Professionalism #PoliceState #PoliticalPersecution #ChoyYukLing #HongKongConnection #AwardWinning #AsiaTelevisionAwards
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#PressFreedom #RightoKnow
Journalist Unions Condemn HK Government for Limiting the Right to Know, As Press Briefing Goes Online Without Consultation
On Jan 3, 2021, the Hong Kong government's Department of Health suddenly announced that, in order to "reduce risk of spreading the coronavirus", the daily COVID press briefing will be held as a live broadcast beginning on Jan 4, 2021. All questions by the press would only be accepted in written format.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association and 8 other press unions issued a statement later that evening, criticizing the government's intention to filter and avoid sensitive questions and infringe the journalists’ right to raise further questions and the public’s right to know.
The journalists' associations also demanded the government to revert the decision and hold the press briefing as the way it used to be.
In the statement, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) together with other unions that represented Stand News, RTHK, hkCNews, Next Digital, Mingpao, the Independent Commentators Association, and the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association criticised the government's unreasonable and sudden decision before consulting the press.
They worried that sensitive questions would be filtered and avoided from now on, further eroding the freedom of the press in Hong Kong.
Source: Stand News #Jan3
#FailedState #Coronavirus #PressBriefing #Whitewash
Journalist Unions Condemn HK Government for Limiting the Right to Know, As Press Briefing Goes Online Without Consultation
On Jan 3, 2021, the Hong Kong government's Department of Health suddenly announced that, in order to "reduce risk of spreading the coronavirus", the daily COVID press briefing will be held as a live broadcast beginning on Jan 4, 2021. All questions by the press would only be accepted in written format.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association and 8 other press unions issued a statement later that evening, criticizing the government's intention to filter and avoid sensitive questions and infringe the journalists’ right to raise further questions and the public’s right to know.
The journalists' associations also demanded the government to revert the decision and hold the press briefing as the way it used to be.
In the statement, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) together with other unions that represented Stand News, RTHK, hkCNews, Next Digital, Mingpao, the Independent Commentators Association, and the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association criticised the government's unreasonable and sudden decision before consulting the press.
They worried that sensitive questions would be filtered and avoided from now on, further eroding the freedom of the press in Hong Kong.
Source: Stand News #Jan3
#FailedState #Coronavirus #PressBriefing #Whitewash
#Crackdown #Regime
Fighting Against #PoliticalSuppression: #AppleDaily Vows to Uphold Integrity and Defend Freedom
On May 14, 2021, the Hong Kong authorities cited Article 34 of the #NationalSecurityLaw for the first time and froze the personal assets of pro-democracy media tycoon #JimmyLai, who is currently jailed.
The Hong Kong Journalists' Association (#HKJA) decried the blatant threat imposed by the Hong Kong government to press freedom and the media industry.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29682
Veteran journalist #BruceLui, who is a senior lecturer in #journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University, pointed out that the goverment is likely to increase the intensity of the crackdown before July 1, 2021, the establishment day of the Hong Kong SAR.
Source: Apple Daily #May14
https://bit.ly/3ogugHA
#NeverGiveUp
Fighting Against #PoliticalSuppression: #AppleDaily Vows to Uphold Integrity and Defend Freedom
On May 14, 2021, the Hong Kong authorities cited Article 34 of the #NationalSecurityLaw for the first time and froze the personal assets of pro-democracy media tycoon #JimmyLai, who is currently jailed.
The Hong Kong Journalists' Association (#HKJA) decried the blatant threat imposed by the Hong Kong government to press freedom and the media industry.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29682
Veteran journalist #BruceLui, who is a senior lecturer in #journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University, pointed out that the goverment is likely to increase the intensity of the crackdown before July 1, 2021, the establishment day of the Hong Kong SAR.
Source: Apple Daily #May14
https://bit.ly/3ogugHA
#NeverGiveUp
#PoliceState #PoliticalProsecution
HK Police Arrests More #AppleDaily Editors
On the evening of June 27, 2021, Hong Kong Police arrested one more editor who used to write in the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily.
#FungWaiKong, aged 57, was the editor-in-chief of the English news of Apple Daily and a columnist for the Chinese-language edition under thd pen name Lo Fung.
The police accused of him "conspiring to collude with foreign countries or foreign forces to endanger national security". The arrest was made at the airport.
Fung Wai-kong is the seventh employee of the now-closed Apple Daily who was arrested under #NationalSecurityLaw. The founder #JimmyLai, a pro-democracy media tycoon, has been jailed since Janurary 2021.
The 26-year-old Apple Daily was forced to shut down on June 23, 2021 after the police raided the headquarters, arrested 3 editors and 2 executives, and froze the key assets and bank accounts of the newspaper. On the day when the last edition was announced, police arrested one more new commentator.
The Hong Kong Journalists' Association (#HKJA) condemned the police for targeting journalists.
Source: Stand News #Jun27
https://bit.ly/2SAUrgY
#Journalism #PressFreedom #SupportAppleDaily #PoliticalPrisoner
===
Related news:
Hongkongers Stay Up Overnight to Buy Apple Daily for One Last Time
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30233
HK Police Arrests More #AppleDaily Editors
On the evening of June 27, 2021, Hong Kong Police arrested one more editor who used to write in the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily.
#FungWaiKong, aged 57, was the editor-in-chief of the English news of Apple Daily and a columnist for the Chinese-language edition under thd pen name Lo Fung.
The police accused of him "conspiring to collude with foreign countries or foreign forces to endanger national security". The arrest was made at the airport.
Fung Wai-kong is the seventh employee of the now-closed Apple Daily who was arrested under #NationalSecurityLaw. The founder #JimmyLai, a pro-democracy media tycoon, has been jailed since Janurary 2021.
The 26-year-old Apple Daily was forced to shut down on June 23, 2021 after the police raided the headquarters, arrested 3 editors and 2 executives, and froze the key assets and bank accounts of the newspaper. On the day when the last edition was announced, police arrested one more new commentator.
The Hong Kong Journalists' Association (#HKJA) condemned the police for targeting journalists.
Source: Stand News #Jun27
https://bit.ly/2SAUrgY
#Journalism #PressFreedom #SupportAppleDaily #PoliticalPrisoner
===
Related news:
Hongkongers Stay Up Overnight to Buy Apple Daily for One Last Time
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30233
#Breaking
Breaking: Hong Kong Journalists Association deeply concerned that National Security Department detained a journalist and withheld travel documents to assist in investigation
On July 27, 2021, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) released a statement, condemning the National Security Police for confiscating the travel document of a reporter, who is assisting the police in investigation.
The case involved a man called #LeungKinFai who died after stabbing himself and knifing a policeman in Causeway Bay on July 1, 2021.
#PressFreedom
Source: Hong Kong Journalists Association #Jul27
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Breaking: Hong Kong Journalists Association deeply concerned that National Security Department detained a journalist and withheld travel documents to assist in investigation
On July 27, 2021, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) released a statement, condemning the National Security Police for confiscating the travel document of a reporter, who is assisting the police in investigation.
The case involved a man called #LeungKinFai who died after stabbing himself and knifing a policeman in Causeway Bay on July 1, 2021.
#PressFreedom
Source: Hong Kong Journalists Association #Jul27
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#WhiteTerror #PressFreedom
Commissioner of Police accused #HKJA of spreading wrong ideology; HKJA refuted
Commissioner of Police, Raymond Siu Chak-yee, accused Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) of advocating the notion of “everyone is a journalist” and “selectively deaf” to media with opposite positions being attacked. His rebuke was similar to that of the Secretary for Security, Chris Tang Ping-keung, which HKJA had made a declaration and held a press conference to deny all these allegations.
HKJA issued another statement today (Sept 18), stating their chairman had responded and reaffirmed that “completely nonsensical speech” would never become the truth, no matter how many times they were repeated. Also, they listed their other old statements, which supported “Wen Wei Po” and “Ta Kung Pao”, to refute Raymond Siu’s accusation.
Source: Stand News #Sept18
#PoliceState
Commissioner of Police accused #HKJA of spreading wrong ideology; HKJA refuted
Commissioner of Police, Raymond Siu Chak-yee, accused Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) of advocating the notion of “everyone is a journalist” and “selectively deaf” to media with opposite positions being attacked. His rebuke was similar to that of the Secretary for Security, Chris Tang Ping-keung, which HKJA had made a declaration and held a press conference to deny all these allegations.
HKJA issued another statement today (Sept 18), stating their chairman had responded and reaffirmed that “completely nonsensical speech” would never become the truth, no matter how many times they were repeated. Also, they listed their other old statements, which supported “Wen Wei Po” and “Ta Kung Pao”, to refute Raymond Siu’s accusation.
Source: Stand News #Sept18
#PoliceState
#Breaking
Hong Kong National Security raid pro-democracy newspaper, arrested 6 senior staff
At around 6am this morning (December 29), 6 staff members and former staff members of Stand News were arrested by the national security police in Hong Kong.
The 6 arrestees, aged 34 to 73, were accused for conspiracy to publish seditious materials.
Those arrested including Acting Editor-in-Chief, Patrick Lam Siu-tung; former Editor-in-Chief, Chung Pui-kuen; former directors Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee, Denise Ho, Fong Man-sun and Chow Tai-chi.
Over 200 uniformed and plainclothes officers were seen raided the office of the online media company in Kwun Tong.
Sources said police also searched homes of those arrested.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31752
#PoliticalOppression #FreedomOfSpeech #Crackdown
Sources: Stand News, RTHK; #Dec29
Photography: Roy Li
Hong Kong National Security raid pro-democracy newspaper, arrested 6 senior staff
At around 6am this morning (December 29), 6 staff members and former staff members of Stand News were arrested by the national security police in Hong Kong.
The 6 arrestees, aged 34 to 73, were accused for conspiracy to publish seditious materials.
Those arrested including Acting Editor-in-Chief, Patrick Lam Siu-tung; former Editor-in-Chief, Chung Pui-kuen; former directors Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee, Denise Ho, Fong Man-sun and Chow Tai-chi.
Over 200 uniformed and plainclothes officers were seen raided the office of the online media company in Kwun Tong.
Sources said police also searched homes of those arrested.
Read more:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31752
#PoliticalOppression #FreedomOfSpeech #Crackdown
Sources: Stand News, RTHK; #Dec29
Photography: Roy Li
Hong Kong Authorities' #Crackdown on #StandNews
On December 29, 2021, over 200 national security police raided the office of Stand News, an independent online news outlet in Hong Kong.
Deputy assignment editor #RonsonChan – who also chairs the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) – was reportedly held for investigation. Chan was filmed being taken away from his home by five national security police officers to “assist in investigations.”
In addition, 6 current and former members of the management have been arrested for "publishing seditious materials." The arrestees include singer #DeniseHo, barrister #MargaretNg, and former editor-in-chief #ChungPuiKuen.
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31751
According to InMedia, acting editor-in-chief #LamSiuTung resigned immediately after being arrested.
At 9:30am, tens of police were still taking boxes of documents away from Stand News office in Kwun Tong.
Source: InMedia #Dec29
https://bit.ly/3pxW4JY
#Arrest #PressFreedom #PoliceState #PoliticalProsecution
On December 29, 2021, over 200 national security police raided the office of Stand News, an independent online news outlet in Hong Kong.
Deputy assignment editor #RonsonChan – who also chairs the Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) – was reportedly held for investigation. Chan was filmed being taken away from his home by five national security police officers to “assist in investigations.”
In addition, 6 current and former members of the management have been arrested for "publishing seditious materials." The arrestees include singer #DeniseHo, barrister #MargaretNg, and former editor-in-chief #ChungPuiKuen.
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31751
According to InMedia, acting editor-in-chief #LamSiuTung resigned immediately after being arrested.
At 9:30am, tens of police were still taking boxes of documents away from Stand News office in Kwun Tong.
Source: InMedia #Dec29
https://bit.ly/3pxW4JY
#Arrest #PressFreedom #PoliceState #PoliticalProsecution
#Statement
#HKJA expresses deep concern on the arrest of directors and senior staff of #StandNews
Source: InMedia; Hong Kong Journalists Association #Dec29
Read more
⬇️⬇️
#HKJA expresses deep concern on the arrest of directors and senior staff of #StandNews
Source: InMedia; Hong Kong Journalists Association #Dec29
Read more
⬇️⬇️
#Statement
#HKJA expresses deep concern on the arrest of directors and senior staff of #StandNews
The national security police arrested at least six current or former directors and senior staff of The Stand News on Dec 29 on suspicion of “conspiracy to distribute seditious publications” and are still searching the offices of Stand News on the late morning.
In a statement, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) is "deeply concerned that the police have repeatedly arrested senior members of the media and searched the offices of news organizations containing large quantities of journalistic materials within a year."
The HKJA also "urges the government to protect press freedom in accordance with the Basic Law."
In addition, HKJA expressed that it "has learned that Ronson Chan Ron-sing, the deputy assignment editor of Stand News and the chairman of HKJA, was also taken away by the police this morning. We are investigating the incident and have no further comment at this time, but will announce any new information in due course."
Source: InMedia; Hong Kong Journalists Association #Dec29
https://www.hkja.org.hk/en/statements/statement-hkja-expresses-deep-concern-on-the-arrest-of-directors-and-senior-staff-of-the-stand-news/
#PoliticalOppression #FreedomOfSpeech #Crackdown #PressFreedom #MediaLandscape #PoliceState #Regime #Arrest
====
Related News:
Hong Kong National Security raid pro-democracy newspaper, arrested 6 senior staff
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31751
Hong Kong Authorities' #Crackdown on #StandNews
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31752
#HKJA expresses deep concern on the arrest of directors and senior staff of #StandNews
The national security police arrested at least six current or former directors and senior staff of The Stand News on Dec 29 on suspicion of “conspiracy to distribute seditious publications” and are still searching the offices of Stand News on the late morning.
In a statement, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) is "deeply concerned that the police have repeatedly arrested senior members of the media and searched the offices of news organizations containing large quantities of journalistic materials within a year."
The HKJA also "urges the government to protect press freedom in accordance with the Basic Law."
In addition, HKJA expressed that it "has learned that Ronson Chan Ron-sing, the deputy assignment editor of Stand News and the chairman of HKJA, was also taken away by the police this morning. We are investigating the incident and have no further comment at this time, but will announce any new information in due course."
Source: InMedia; Hong Kong Journalists Association #Dec29
https://www.hkja.org.hk/en/statements/statement-hkja-expresses-deep-concern-on-the-arrest-of-directors-and-senior-staff-of-the-stand-news/
#PoliticalOppression #FreedomOfSpeech #Crackdown #PressFreedom #MediaLandscape #PoliceState #Regime #Arrest
====
Related News:
Hong Kong National Security raid pro-democracy newspaper, arrested 6 senior staff
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31751
Hong Kong Authorities' #Crackdown on #StandNews
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31752
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Breaking
Hong Kong National Security raid pro-democracy newspaper, arrested 6 senior staff
At around 6am this morning (December 29), 6 staff members and former staff members of Stand News were arrested by the national security police in Hong Kong.
The…
Hong Kong National Security raid pro-democracy newspaper, arrested 6 senior staff
At around 6am this morning (December 29), 6 staff members and former staff members of Stand News were arrested by the national security police in Hong Kong.
The…
#NeverForget #AntiELAB
2.5 years after #721YuenLong Mob Attack: Who Owns the Truth Now in 2022 Hong Kong?
January 21, 2022 is the 2.5-year mark of the 7.21 Yuen Long Mob Attack. On July 21, 2019, pro-democracy protesters, train passengers and pedestrians were indiscriminately attacked by white-clad gangsters in Yuen Long. While the Hong Kong police had allegedly turned a blind eye, the question once posed by #RTHK's news program #HongKongConnection resurfaced: in 2022-Hong Kong, who owns the truth?
Watch RTHK's "7.21 Who Owns the Truth?" (English subtitled), courtesy of Real Hong Kong News:
https://youtu.be/4rImPpE3p2U
The news documentary was produced by former RTHK journalist #BaoChoy on the first anniversary of the attack in 2020 and had won accolades including the Press Freedom Award.
Choy examined various video evidence, tracing the attackers to various pro-China groups. She also interviewed one of the victims, who was able to identify his attackers from the surveillance camera footage provided. The victim lamented that he had to identify the suspects before the journalists, since the police did not invite him to take part in any investigation. The victim wonders if the police wanted to investigate at all.
The journalist, moreover, traced the association of some of the attackers to various village representatives in Yuen Long, partly by checking car license plates against the government's vehicle registration database. However, the authorities then arrested and fined Choy for making "false statements" when accessing the public-available database. It was the first time such a charge was laid against journalists using the vehicle database.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) criticized the move, stating that checking public records had been a common investigative tool in Hong Kong.
In May 2021, RTHK began to take down videos over one year old from their online platforms. This documentary is now no longer available on their official website, as are the programs chronicling the 2019 Anti-ELAB movement.
Meanwhile, the police and state media had made concerted effort to rewrite the Yuen Long attack into a clash between "invading" protesters and those defending Yuen Long. However, another investigative report by Stand News discovered that the alleged call to protest in Yuen Long was likely fabricated, and was ultimately dismissed by discussion forums.
Watch "Tracing the Source - Investigative Report by Stand News" (English subtitled), courtesy of Real Hong Kong News:
https://youtu.be/Gch5ikVyI80
After the implementation of the #NationalSecurityLaw, pro-democracy news outlets, like #AppleDaily and #StandNews, have been pressured into shutting down. Their libraries of articles and videos, including interviews and video footage of 7.21 and many other events during the movement, had gone offline. Though netizens scrambled to back up the data, the records made by these news outlets in Hong Kong cannot be easily accessed by the public, and some may possibly be lost forever.
Two and a half years after the attack, Hongkongers today find very little room to publicly remember the events that transpired. Gatherings that merely hinted at support of the movement are suppressed by police wielding both the anti-gathering rules introduced at the start of the pandemic, as well as the #NationalSecurityLaw.
Meanwhile, the deep rift between the police force and the general public as a result of the 7.21 attack had not been healed, as the Force and its supporters cling to their version of events, which are regularly cited by pro-government and pro-China media.
For now, it is up to individual Hongkongers to investigate, record, document and remember the events they have seen, heard, and experienced during the pro-democracy movements.
Source: RTHK; Stand News
Subtitles by Real Hong Kong News
See also:
"Tracing the Source" - 7.21 Yuen Long Attack Investigative Report by Stand News
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30599
30 months after, Hongkongers refuse to forget
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31954
#Memory
2.5 years after #721YuenLong Mob Attack: Who Owns the Truth Now in 2022 Hong Kong?
January 21, 2022 is the 2.5-year mark of the 7.21 Yuen Long Mob Attack. On July 21, 2019, pro-democracy protesters, train passengers and pedestrians were indiscriminately attacked by white-clad gangsters in Yuen Long. While the Hong Kong police had allegedly turned a blind eye, the question once posed by #RTHK's news program #HongKongConnection resurfaced: in 2022-Hong Kong, who owns the truth?
Watch RTHK's "7.21 Who Owns the Truth?" (English subtitled), courtesy of Real Hong Kong News:
https://youtu.be/4rImPpE3p2U
The news documentary was produced by former RTHK journalist #BaoChoy on the first anniversary of the attack in 2020 and had won accolades including the Press Freedom Award.
Choy examined various video evidence, tracing the attackers to various pro-China groups. She also interviewed one of the victims, who was able to identify his attackers from the surveillance camera footage provided. The victim lamented that he had to identify the suspects before the journalists, since the police did not invite him to take part in any investigation. The victim wonders if the police wanted to investigate at all.
The journalist, moreover, traced the association of some of the attackers to various village representatives in Yuen Long, partly by checking car license plates against the government's vehicle registration database. However, the authorities then arrested and fined Choy for making "false statements" when accessing the public-available database. It was the first time such a charge was laid against journalists using the vehicle database.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) criticized the move, stating that checking public records had been a common investigative tool in Hong Kong.
In May 2021, RTHK began to take down videos over one year old from their online platforms. This documentary is now no longer available on their official website, as are the programs chronicling the 2019 Anti-ELAB movement.
Meanwhile, the police and state media had made concerted effort to rewrite the Yuen Long attack into a clash between "invading" protesters and those defending Yuen Long. However, another investigative report by Stand News discovered that the alleged call to protest in Yuen Long was likely fabricated, and was ultimately dismissed by discussion forums.
Watch "Tracing the Source - Investigative Report by Stand News" (English subtitled), courtesy of Real Hong Kong News:
https://youtu.be/Gch5ikVyI80
After the implementation of the #NationalSecurityLaw, pro-democracy news outlets, like #AppleDaily and #StandNews, have been pressured into shutting down. Their libraries of articles and videos, including interviews and video footage of 7.21 and many other events during the movement, had gone offline. Though netizens scrambled to back up the data, the records made by these news outlets in Hong Kong cannot be easily accessed by the public, and some may possibly be lost forever.
Two and a half years after the attack, Hongkongers today find very little room to publicly remember the events that transpired. Gatherings that merely hinted at support of the movement are suppressed by police wielding both the anti-gathering rules introduced at the start of the pandemic, as well as the #NationalSecurityLaw.
Meanwhile, the deep rift between the police force and the general public as a result of the 7.21 attack had not been healed, as the Force and its supporters cling to their version of events, which are regularly cited by pro-government and pro-China media.
For now, it is up to individual Hongkongers to investigate, record, document and remember the events they have seen, heard, and experienced during the pro-democracy movements.
Source: RTHK; Stand News
Subtitles by Real Hong Kong News
See also:
"Tracing the Source" - 7.21 Yuen Long Attack Investigative Report by Stand News
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/30599
30 months after, Hongkongers refuse to forget
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31954
#Memory
YouTube
RTHK Hong Kong Connection: 7.21 Yuen Long Dark Night investigation
#HongKong Connection, a RTHK programme, further investigated the 7.21 Yuen Long Dark Night attack as the narrative has changed from "white-clad mobs attacked civilians" to "protesters provoke the Yuen Long villagers".
In CCTV footage, suspected plain clothes…
In CCTV footage, suspected plain clothes…
#WhiterTerror #Censorship
Unions registry demands answers from Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) over film screenings, book events, social media posts
//Hong Kong’s Registry of Trade Unions (#RTU) has launched a probe into the city’s largest press group, asking them to provide answers how certain events they held were relevant to their objectives.
The list of events included movie screenings and book launches. The association was also asked about social media posts during the anti-extradition bill protests and unrest, and how they were relevant to HKJA’s objectives.
The HKJA was criticised by Secretary for Security Chris Tang in September last year. Tang accused it accused it of “infiltrating” campuses to “rope in” student journalists as members.
The association had since hit back at the criticism, saying that it was “factually wrong,” and that Tang’s suggestion to make public membership information may be a violation of the Privacy Ordinance.//
Read the full article:
https://hongkongfp.com/2022/01/21/unions-registry-demands-answers-from-hong-kong-journalists-assoc-over-film-screenings-book-events-social-media-posts/
Source: Hong Kong Free Press #Jan22
#PressFreedom
Unions registry demands answers from Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) over film screenings, book events, social media posts
//Hong Kong’s Registry of Trade Unions (#RTU) has launched a probe into the city’s largest press group, asking them to provide answers how certain events they held were relevant to their objectives.
The list of events included movie screenings and book launches. The association was also asked about social media posts during the anti-extradition bill protests and unrest, and how they were relevant to HKJA’s objectives.
The HKJA was criticised by Secretary for Security Chris Tang in September last year. Tang accused it accused it of “infiltrating” campuses to “rope in” student journalists as members.
The association had since hit back at the criticism, saying that it was “factually wrong,” and that Tang’s suggestion to make public membership information may be a violation of the Privacy Ordinance.//
Read the full article:
https://hongkongfp.com/2022/01/21/unions-registry-demands-answers-from-hong-kong-journalists-assoc-over-film-screenings-book-events-social-media-posts/
Source: Hong Kong Free Press #Jan22
#PressFreedom
Hong Kong Free Press HKFP
Unions registry demands answers from Hong Kong Journalists Assoc. over film screenings, book events, social media posts
Hong Kong’s Registry of Trade Unions (RTU) has launched a probe into the city’s largest press group, asking them to provide answers how certain events they held were relevant to their o…
#PressFreedom #Accountability
Now news ‘deeply sorry’ over reporter’s question to HK leader about complaint mechanism for medical staff from China
As the government waived registration requirements for mainland Chinese medics coming to Hong Kong to help treat COVID patients, questions of medical accountability begun to surface. During Carrie Lam's daily pandemic briefing on March 16, a #NowTV reporter asked about the process by which a patient could lodge a complaint, in case of a medical mishap while being treated by a mainland medic.
The question, however, was not well received by the government and the pro-Beijing camp in Hong Kong.
While Carrie Lam stressed a sense of gratitude for China should come first, former chief executive Leung Chun-ying lashed out at the reporter on Facebook, questioning if "her brain had a problem, or her morals had a problem".
Other pro-Beijing groups went on to describe the reporter's question as "unprofessional" and "spreading hate speech."
Politihk Social Strategic, a group of pro-Beijing activists formed to support former CE Leung, claimed that the NowTV reporter had triggered “public anger” with her question.
The group posted photos of the female reporter online, and called for an online petition condemning her conduct as unprofessional and a possible violation of the #NationalSecurityLaw.
Owing to public pressure, the TV station issued a statement of apology on the same day.
“We are deeply sorry that the question about mainland medics at yesterday’s Covid-19 press briefing caused concern and discontent among citizens,” the statement read. “The fifth-wave outbreak is still severe, and we are extremely thankful to the central government and the mainland’s selfless support.”
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) expressed regret for Now TV's apology, as well as concern that such attacks on a journalist's question would exacerbate the self-censorship among editorial staff. The association noted that a similar question was posed by pro-Beijing LegCo member Tang Fei on March 15, the day before the press conference.
The association stressed the journalistic value of posing these questions at press conferences, as it gives officials an opportunity to explain their policies to the public. Furthermore, the question received informative replies, showing that government officials also recognized the question's value. The association hopes that the public could better understand the workings of journalism, and would view the work of reporters without political preconceptions.
#WuhanPneumonia #RuleByFear #GratitudeEducation
Source: Inmediahk; #Mar17
https://bit.ly/3IiqAh0
Now news ‘deeply sorry’ over reporter’s question to HK leader about complaint mechanism for medical staff from China
As the government waived registration requirements for mainland Chinese medics coming to Hong Kong to help treat COVID patients, questions of medical accountability begun to surface. During Carrie Lam's daily pandemic briefing on March 16, a #NowTV reporter asked about the process by which a patient could lodge a complaint, in case of a medical mishap while being treated by a mainland medic.
The question, however, was not well received by the government and the pro-Beijing camp in Hong Kong.
While Carrie Lam stressed a sense of gratitude for China should come first, former chief executive Leung Chun-ying lashed out at the reporter on Facebook, questioning if "her brain had a problem, or her morals had a problem".
Other pro-Beijing groups went on to describe the reporter's question as "unprofessional" and "spreading hate speech."
Politihk Social Strategic, a group of pro-Beijing activists formed to support former CE Leung, claimed that the NowTV reporter had triggered “public anger” with her question.
The group posted photos of the female reporter online, and called for an online petition condemning her conduct as unprofessional and a possible violation of the #NationalSecurityLaw.
Owing to public pressure, the TV station issued a statement of apology on the same day.
“We are deeply sorry that the question about mainland medics at yesterday’s Covid-19 press briefing caused concern and discontent among citizens,” the statement read. “The fifth-wave outbreak is still severe, and we are extremely thankful to the central government and the mainland’s selfless support.”
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (#HKJA) expressed regret for Now TV's apology, as well as concern that such attacks on a journalist's question would exacerbate the self-censorship among editorial staff. The association noted that a similar question was posed by pro-Beijing LegCo member Tang Fei on March 15, the day before the press conference.
The association stressed the journalistic value of posing these questions at press conferences, as it gives officials an opportunity to explain their policies to the public. Furthermore, the question received informative replies, showing that government officials also recognized the question's value. The association hopes that the public could better understand the workings of journalism, and would view the work of reporters without political preconceptions.
#WuhanPneumonia #RuleByFear #GratitudeEducation
Source: Inmediahk; #Mar17
https://bit.ly/3IiqAh0