Political situation
Written by: Zhou Haoyi
2021-04-24 19:53
Last update date: 2021-04-24 19:56
The Commissioner of Police, Tang Ping-kiang, said earlier that the police will conduct a full investigation of those who try to use fake news to endanger the security of Hong Kong, and will arrest and prosecute as soon as there is evidence.
The Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Conference (FCC) wrote to Deng Bingqiang the day before yesterday (22nd), requesting a clarification of the definition of "fake news" and the legal basis for relevant investigations and prosecutions.
The police replied today (24) that the police, as a law enforcement agency, are responsible for maintaining laws and order. In the event of violations, the police will take decisive actions to investigate and collect evidence, and emphasize that the police always respect the freedom of speech and the press.
The police said that "fake news" and biased news reports endanger the public interest and will study feasible measures to protect the public interest.
The FCC raised three major questions in the letter, including how to define "fake news"; what form of reporting constitutes "fake news", what legal basis is the investigation and prosecution based on, and how to ensure that the investigation of "fake news" is compatible while at the same time The government's commitment to guarantee freedom of the press.
The FCC pointed out that the term "fake news" is vague and subjective, and is often used by public figures everywhere to attack reports that are unfavorable to them, even if the report refers to the correct facts.
The FCC stated that "fake news" laws are used in some countries to suppress freedom of news and speech. Due to the unclear definition of "fake news", many media have stopped using the term "fake news".
The FCC stated that they are fully aware of the dangers posed by misinformation and conspiracy theories, so they invite the Commissioner of Police or a representative of the police force to visit the association to speak and let members express their concerns.
Police reply without mentioning the definition of fake news
The Chief Superintendent of the Police Public Relations Division, Guo Jiaquan, wrote back saying that the police welcome any laws that can help them uphold the rule of law.
He said that the police also understand the scourge of misinformation and conspiracy theories. Since 2019, in addition to a series of violent demonstrations that impact the rule of law, "fake news" and biased news reports have also endangered public interests.
He pointed out that the police tried their best to explore feasible measures and put the public interest first.
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Foreign Press Conference (FCC) Deng Bingqiang