#Court #PressFreedom
Arrested Journalist Suspended by #RTHK Before Court's Ruling: I Feel Being Doubly Punished
RTHK journalist #BaoChoy appeared in court on Jan 14, 2021. She was accused of making false statements and violating the Road Traffic Ordinance by "not disclosing the real reason" for licence plate checks in 2020. Choy pleaded not guilty.
Choy produced two episodes of the news documentary "Hong Kong Connection" with an aim to find the perpetrators of the Yuen Long 7.21 mob attack, which injured many pro-democracy protesters, journalists and civilians on July 21, 2019.
Since Choy was arrested in November 2020, the public broadcaster RTHK has suspended her duties.
The RTHK Programme Staff Union voiced their support for Choy outside the court. After the hearing, Choy said she was disappointed with RTHK's decision before any trial took place. She felt being punished for twice for doing her job.
“I would expect RTHK to take up its moral responsibility, as well as showcasing the integrity of a media organisation. From this perspective, the decision of RTHK management to suspend me from my role as a journalist and producer of Hong Kong Connection was quite disappointing for me.”
Source: InMedia; RTHK #Jan14
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1570423-20210114.htm
https://bit.ly/2LwjvlE
#Journalist #Professionalism
====
Related News
HK Government's New Service Might Let Journalists Be Doxed
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27916
Arrested Journalist Suspended by #RTHK Before Court's Ruling: I Feel Being Doubly Punished
RTHK journalist #BaoChoy appeared in court on Jan 14, 2021. She was accused of making false statements and violating the Road Traffic Ordinance by "not disclosing the real reason" for licence plate checks in 2020. Choy pleaded not guilty.
Choy produced two episodes of the news documentary "Hong Kong Connection" with an aim to find the perpetrators of the Yuen Long 7.21 mob attack, which injured many pro-democracy protesters, journalists and civilians on July 21, 2019.
Since Choy was arrested in November 2020, the public broadcaster RTHK has suspended her duties.
The RTHK Programme Staff Union voiced their support for Choy outside the court. After the hearing, Choy said she was disappointed with RTHK's decision before any trial took place. She felt being punished for twice for doing her job.
“I would expect RTHK to take up its moral responsibility, as well as showcasing the integrity of a media organisation. From this perspective, the decision of RTHK management to suspend me from my role as a journalist and producer of Hong Kong Connection was quite disappointing for me.”
Source: InMedia; RTHK #Jan14
https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1570423-20210114.htm
https://bit.ly/2LwjvlE
#Journalist #Professionalism
====
Related News
HK Government's New Service Might Let Journalists Be Doxed
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/27916
news.rthk.hk
RTHK journalist pleads not guilty in Yuen Long case
RTHK journalist Bao Choy on Thursday pleaded not guilty to two counts of making false statements in relation to car licence plate searches aimed at finding the perpetrators of the Yuen Long gang attack in 2019. Choy, 37, is accused of violating the Road Traffic…
Hong Kong Journalist Stands Trial Over Use of Online License Plate Search
#BaoChoy, a producer contracted to make the documentary by government broadcaster #RTHK, was arrested after she made a documentary exposing their handling of the July 21, 2019 mob attacks on train passengers in Yuen Long stood trial in the city. She was accused of accessing car ownership details on official databases as she tried to track the movements of suspected attackers on the night for the film.
Choy pleaded not guilty to two counts of "knowingly making a false statement" to access number plate ownership records, a charge which could see her fined and jailed for up to six months if convicted.
Choy's program, titled "Who Owns The Truth?", showed that police were present as the attackers gathered in Yuen Long, but delayed their response as men in white T-shirts started attacking train passengers at the MTR station.
Source: RFA #Mar24
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/trial-03242021093631.html
#Journalism #YuenLong721
#BaoChoy, a producer contracted to make the documentary by government broadcaster #RTHK, was arrested after she made a documentary exposing their handling of the July 21, 2019 mob attacks on train passengers in Yuen Long stood trial in the city. She was accused of accessing car ownership details on official databases as she tried to track the movements of suspected attackers on the night for the film.
Choy pleaded not guilty to two counts of "knowingly making a false statement" to access number plate ownership records, a charge which could see her fined and jailed for up to six months if convicted.
Choy's program, titled "Who Owns The Truth?", showed that police were present as the attackers gathered in Yuen Long, but delayed their response as men in white T-shirts started attacking train passengers at the MTR station.
Source: RFA #Mar24
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/trial-03242021093631.html
#Journalism #YuenLong721
#OpinionArticle #Court #PoliticalSuppression
"I Do Not Plead Guilty": Hong Kong Journalist Facing Legal Challenge for Unveiling Suspected Police-Triad Collusion
[Editor's note: This is an opinion article written by Au Ka-lun, a veteran journalist in Hong Kong.
In this article, Au recounted what happened during a court hearing where Bao Choy, a journslist working for the public broadcaster RTHK, was charged by the Hong Kong authorities for "giving false statement". The case has stirred up the population's outcry for censoring media freedom and infringing free speech.]
On March 24, 2021, in the courtroom of the Western Magistrate’s Courts in Hong Komg, veteran journalist Bao Choy Yuk-ling resonantly said “I do not plead guilty”.
It is noteworthy that Choy said “I do not plead guilty" (我不認罪) instead of “I plead not guilty” (我唔認罪).
Bao Choy is a professional broadcaster who knows well the subtle difference between “do not” (不) and “Not” (唔) in Cantonese.
In Cantonese, the negation word that is pronounced “ng” is hard to sound out loudly, making it more difficult to be heard and message less affirmative.
Comparatively speaking, the sentence “I do not plead guilty” is more resounding and powerful.
Although I cannot see Bao Choy’s eyes and face through the screen, her clear response to the Court--by saying “I do not plead guilty” twice--found resonance outside the wall of the courtroom.
I heard not only her determination and defiance, but also her unyielding spirit with no fear, complaint and regret.
During the court hearing, the entire news documentary program, Hong Kong Connection: The Truth of 721. Perhaps, which was produced by Choy, was shown.
All those inside and outside the courtroom watched the investigative news programme, which is about the triad attack on pro-democracy protesters and passersby in Yuen Long on July 21, 2019, together.
We saw footages where a large group of white-clad gangsters gathered in the early afternoon; we even saw plain-clothes police officers witnessing the gathering of these Triad members.
The documentary recorded the suspected collusions between the police and the gangsters; questioned the police’s leniency towards the Triad; and demonstrated the journalists’ persistence in reporting the truth.
However, the Hong Kong authorities has deliberately tossed these facts aside. They charge a journalist for checking the car plates and owners' information.
It is a simple case, in which both the prosecution and the defendant did not summon a witness.
The case is upright and aboveboard, leaving Bao Choy nothing to defend for herself but holding her head high and said, “I do not plead guilty.”
Source: Stand News; #Mar24
https://www.thestandnews.com/court/%E8%94%A1%E7%8E%89%E7%8E%B2-%E6%88%91%E4%B8%8D%E8%AA%8D%E7%BD%AA/
#BaoChoy #AuKaLun #Journalism #Professionalism #RTHK
"I Do Not Plead Guilty": Hong Kong Journalist Facing Legal Challenge for Unveiling Suspected Police-Triad Collusion
[Editor's note: This is an opinion article written by Au Ka-lun, a veteran journalist in Hong Kong.
In this article, Au recounted what happened during a court hearing where Bao Choy, a journslist working for the public broadcaster RTHK, was charged by the Hong Kong authorities for "giving false statement". The case has stirred up the population's outcry for censoring media freedom and infringing free speech.]
On March 24, 2021, in the courtroom of the Western Magistrate’s Courts in Hong Komg, veteran journalist Bao Choy Yuk-ling resonantly said “I do not plead guilty”.
It is noteworthy that Choy said “I do not plead guilty" (我不認罪) instead of “I plead not guilty” (我唔認罪).
Bao Choy is a professional broadcaster who knows well the subtle difference between “do not” (不) and “Not” (唔) in Cantonese.
In Cantonese, the negation word that is pronounced “ng” is hard to sound out loudly, making it more difficult to be heard and message less affirmative.
Comparatively speaking, the sentence “I do not plead guilty” is more resounding and powerful.
Although I cannot see Bao Choy’s eyes and face through the screen, her clear response to the Court--by saying “I do not plead guilty” twice--found resonance outside the wall of the courtroom.
I heard not only her determination and defiance, but also her unyielding spirit with no fear, complaint and regret.
During the court hearing, the entire news documentary program, Hong Kong Connection: The Truth of 721. Perhaps, which was produced by Choy, was shown.
All those inside and outside the courtroom watched the investigative news programme, which is about the triad attack on pro-democracy protesters and passersby in Yuen Long on July 21, 2019, together.
We saw footages where a large group of white-clad gangsters gathered in the early afternoon; we even saw plain-clothes police officers witnessing the gathering of these Triad members.
The documentary recorded the suspected collusions between the police and the gangsters; questioned the police’s leniency towards the Triad; and demonstrated the journalists’ persistence in reporting the truth.
However, the Hong Kong authorities has deliberately tossed these facts aside. They charge a journalist for checking the car plates and owners' information.
It is a simple case, in which both the prosecution and the defendant did not summon a witness.
The case is upright and aboveboard, leaving Bao Choy nothing to defend for herself but holding her head high and said, “I do not plead guilty.”
Source: Stand News; #Mar24
https://www.thestandnews.com/court/%E8%94%A1%E7%8E%89%E7%8E%B2-%E6%88%91%E4%B8%8D%E8%AA%8D%E7%BD%AA/
#BaoChoy #AuKaLun #Journalism #Professionalism #RTHK
#Censorship #HumanitarianCrisis
#RTHK bans Journalists from receiving Human Rights Press Awards
Multiple news documentaries produced by the public broadcaster RTHK in Hong Kong have won the Human Rights Press Awards.
The winning titles include the episodes entitled “Waking up in the spread of the pandemic” and “In the name of justice” of the programme “This Week”.
According to Stand News, the news documentary program "#HongKongConnection" also receives accolade. In particular, the episode “7.21: Who owns the truth?”, produced by local journalist #BaoChoy Yuk-ling, won the grand prize in the Chinese Documentary Video category.
Despite the international accolades received by many journalists of the station, #PatrickLi Pak-chuen, the newly appointed Director of Broadcasting to RTHK, disallowed the staff from submitting their works to local and international competitions. Li even contacted the Human Rights Press Awards in person to demand RTHK’s withdrawal from the competition, but it was refused by the organizer.
The award-winning program "#ThisWeek" includes the particiation of former RTHK journalist #NabelaQoser, who is known for her critical stance and professionalism.
Another awardee Bao Choy is currently facing charges made by the Hong Kong authorities, accusing her of "falsifying statement". The authorities' action against Choy has been decried by many journalists and the local population as an act of political suppression.
The RTHK spokesperson claims that the station will not receive the Awards, and insisted that it will withdraw from the competition.
Source: Apple News; Human Rights Press Awards #Apr7
http://humanrightspressawards.org
https://bit.ly/3uzpzuj
#HumanRightsPressAwards #Journalism #Professionalism
#RTHK bans Journalists from receiving Human Rights Press Awards
Multiple news documentaries produced by the public broadcaster RTHK in Hong Kong have won the Human Rights Press Awards.
The winning titles include the episodes entitled “Waking up in the spread of the pandemic” and “In the name of justice” of the programme “This Week”.
According to Stand News, the news documentary program "#HongKongConnection" also receives accolade. In particular, the episode “7.21: Who owns the truth?”, produced by local journalist #BaoChoy Yuk-ling, won the grand prize in the Chinese Documentary Video category.
Despite the international accolades received by many journalists of the station, #PatrickLi Pak-chuen, the newly appointed Director of Broadcasting to RTHK, disallowed the staff from submitting their works to local and international competitions. Li even contacted the Human Rights Press Awards in person to demand RTHK’s withdrawal from the competition, but it was refused by the organizer.
The award-winning program "#ThisWeek" includes the particiation of former RTHK journalist #NabelaQoser, who is known for her critical stance and professionalism.
Another awardee Bao Choy is currently facing charges made by the Hong Kong authorities, accusing her of "falsifying statement". The authorities' action against Choy has been decried by many journalists and the local population as an act of political suppression.
The RTHK spokesperson claims that the station will not receive the Awards, and insisted that it will withdraw from the competition.
Source: Apple News; Human Rights Press Awards #Apr7
http://humanrightspressawards.org
https://bit.ly/3uzpzuj
#HumanRightsPressAwards #Journalism #Professionalism
#FirstHand #Apr22
#RTHK Staff in Support of Journalist Being Sued: "Journalism is not a crime"
The Hong Kong court convicted investigative journalist and former RTHK producer #BaoChoy over two counts of Road Traffic Ordinance violations on April 22, 2021.
The prosecution accused her of "making false declarations" during the car licence plate searches for an RTHK documentary on the 2019 Yuen Long July 21 attacks.
Chow ticked a box for "other traffic and transport related matters". She was fined HKD6,000. This is the first time in Hong Kong a journalist is sued for searching records.
Outside the court, the RTHK Staff Union voiced support for Choy. They displayed signs that read "Journalism is not a crime", "Stand up for Bao Choy", "Stand up for Journalists" and "Without fear or favour".
Choy said it was a "very dark day for all journalists in Hong Kong".
#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship #Integrity #Professionalism #YuenLong721
#RTHK Staff in Support of Journalist Being Sued: "Journalism is not a crime"
The Hong Kong court convicted investigative journalist and former RTHK producer #BaoChoy over two counts of Road Traffic Ordinance violations on April 22, 2021.
The prosecution accused her of "making false declarations" during the car licence plate searches for an RTHK documentary on the 2019 Yuen Long July 21 attacks.
Chow ticked a box for "other traffic and transport related matters". She was fined HKD6,000. This is the first time in Hong Kong a journalist is sued for searching records.
Outside the court, the RTHK Staff Union voiced support for Choy. They displayed signs that read "Journalism is not a crime", "Stand up for Bao Choy", "Stand up for Journalists" and "Without fear or favour".
Choy said it was a "very dark day for all journalists in Hong Kong".
#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship #Integrity #Professionalism #YuenLong721
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
#FirstHand #Apr22
Hongkongers Voice Support for Journalist in Defense of #PressFreedom
"Defend Press Freedom", "Stand with #BaoChoy", "Stand with journalists", "the right to truth": Citizens chanted outside the court where former RTHK journalist was trialed over charges of "making false statement".
On April 22, 2021, investigative journalist was convicted over two counts of Road Traffic Ordinance violations. Bao Choy pleaded not guilty and reiterated thst the duty of journalists is to reveal the truth.
The award winning documentaries made by Bao Choy include an investigation on the attacks on pro-democracy protesters and civilians by the white-clad gangsters on July 21, 2019.
The police arrested Choy at her home on November 3, 2020. The charges against Choy has sparked outcry in Hong Kong among journalists and civilians.
#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship
Hongkongers Voice Support for Journalist in Defense of #PressFreedom
"Defend Press Freedom", "Stand with #BaoChoy", "Stand with journalists", "the right to truth": Citizens chanted outside the court where former RTHK journalist was trialed over charges of "making false statement".
On April 22, 2021, investigative journalist was convicted over two counts of Road Traffic Ordinance violations. Bao Choy pleaded not guilty and reiterated thst the duty of journalists is to reveal the truth.
The award winning documentaries made by Bao Choy include an investigation on the attacks on pro-democracy protesters and civilians by the white-clad gangsters on July 21, 2019.
The police arrested Choy at her home on November 3, 2020. The charges against Choy has sparked outcry in Hong Kong among journalists and civilians.
#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
#FirstHand #Apr22
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
Award-winning investigative journalist #BaoChoy gave her statement, after the court in Hong Kong ruled her guilty of "making false declaration" when making car plate license searches for the RTHK documentary program "Hong Kong Connections".
Choy pointed out that there will probably be less and less news platform available, in the presence of more and more political pressure in Hong Kong. "But I do believe that we can still work things out," Choy said. "I will keep on working as a journalist. This is the best response and my most positive reaction to the ruling."
#Professionalism #Journalism #Integrity
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
Award-winning investigative journalist #BaoChoy gave her statement, after the court in Hong Kong ruled her guilty of "making false declaration" when making car plate license searches for the RTHK documentary program "Hong Kong Connections".
Choy pointed out that there will probably be less and less news platform available, in the presence of more and more political pressure in Hong Kong. "But I do believe that we can still work things out," Choy said. "I will keep on working as a journalist. This is the best response and my most positive reaction to the ruling."
#Professionalism #Journalism #Integrity
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
#FirstHand #Apr22 #StandwithBaoChoy
Conducting Journalists' Work is Not Guilty, Defending Press Freedom is Not Guilty: HK Journalist Bao Choy
Breaking into tears amid cheers of encouragement from fellow Hongkongers, investigative journalist #BaoChoy spoke to the press outside the West Kowloon Law Courts Building on April 22, 2021.
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Conducting Journalists' Work is Not Guilty, Defending Press Freedom is Not Guilty: HK Journalist Bao Choy
Breaking into tears amid cheers of encouragement from fellow Hongkongers, investigative journalist #BaoChoy spoke to the press outside the West Kowloon Law Courts Building on April 22, 2021.
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#FirstHand #Apr22 #StandwithBaoChoy
Conducting Journalists' Work is Not Guilty, Defending Press Freedom is Not Guilty: HK Journalist Bao Choy
Breaking into tears amid cheers of encouragement from fellow Hongkongers, investigative journalist #BaoChoy spoke to the press outside the West Kowloon Law Courts Building on April 22, 2021.
This took place after she was convicted of "knowingly making false statements" when obtaining public records.
Choy admitted that she is saddened and heart-broken because the conviction represents another step towards stifled press freedom in Hong Kong, not only criminalizing a commonly used investigative method for journalists to unveil the truth, but also reducing the space for reporters to defend press freedom.
The prosecution accused Choy of making false statement to obtain data, citing a law that says the car records could only be used for transport-related matters.
Choy disagreed to the court’s ruling, reiterating that “conducting a search for investigative reporting is not guilty. Defending press freedom is not guilty.”
She further explained that the verdict has set a precedence to “unreasonably and disproportionally restricting press freedom and disregarding the general public’s legitimate rights to access to information.”
“A reporter would risk making a false statement when conducting a search of car ownership involved in, for example, a car accident, because the reporter is not the concerning party," Choy pointed out the intent of the current ordinance is inconsistent to the Court's ruling.
Although Choy recognized the long-term impact of the court’s verdict on the city’s media industry, she uttered words of encouragement for fellow reporters to not give up seeking alternative ways to bring issues into light when carrying out the rightful duty of the journalists in a bid to defend #PressFreedom.
#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship #Professionalism #Journalism
======
Related News:
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29488
#RTHK Staff in Support of Journalist Being Sued: "Journalism is not a crime"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29486
Conducting Journalists' Work is Not Guilty, Defending Press Freedom is Not Guilty: HK Journalist Bao Choy
Breaking into tears amid cheers of encouragement from fellow Hongkongers, investigative journalist #BaoChoy spoke to the press outside the West Kowloon Law Courts Building on April 22, 2021.
This took place after she was convicted of "knowingly making false statements" when obtaining public records.
Choy admitted that she is saddened and heart-broken because the conviction represents another step towards stifled press freedom in Hong Kong, not only criminalizing a commonly used investigative method for journalists to unveil the truth, but also reducing the space for reporters to defend press freedom.
The prosecution accused Choy of making false statement to obtain data, citing a law that says the car records could only be used for transport-related matters.
Choy disagreed to the court’s ruling, reiterating that “conducting a search for investigative reporting is not guilty. Defending press freedom is not guilty.”
She further explained that the verdict has set a precedence to “unreasonably and disproportionally restricting press freedom and disregarding the general public’s legitimate rights to access to information.”
“A reporter would risk making a false statement when conducting a search of car ownership involved in, for example, a car accident, because the reporter is not the concerning party," Choy pointed out the intent of the current ordinance is inconsistent to the Court's ruling.
Although Choy recognized the long-term impact of the court’s verdict on the city’s media industry, she uttered words of encouragement for fellow reporters to not give up seeking alternative ways to bring issues into light when carrying out the rightful duty of the journalists in a bid to defend #PressFreedom.
#PoliticalProsecution #Censorship #Professionalism #Journalism
======
Related News:
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29488
#RTHK Staff in Support of Journalist Being Sued: "Journalism is not a crime"
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29486
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#FirstHand #Apr22
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
Award-winning investigative journalist #BaoChoy gave her statement, after the court in Hong Kong ruled her guilty of "making false declaration" when making car plate license searches for the RTHK…
Bao Choy: I will keep on being a journalist
Award-winning investigative journalist #BaoChoy gave her statement, after the court in Hong Kong ruled her guilty of "making false declaration" when making car plate license searches for the RTHK…