Search Position News︱New thinking calls on the police to explain Huo Qigang's point of not worrying: the Basic Law guarantees freedom of the press

The National Security Service of the police arrested at least 6 current or former directors and senior officials of "Position News" on suspicion of "conspiracy to publish seditious publications" early this (29th) morning, and searched the "Position" office, and the deputy interview director and chairman of the Journalist Association Chen Langsheng was also taken away from the apartment to assist in the investigation.

New Thinking issued a statement stating that the National Security Agency should explain the reasons and the crimes involved as soon as possible, so as not to affect the outside perception of the narrowing of press freedom; the DAB expressed its full support and criticized the "Stance" for editing and publishing incitement under the name of press freedom. Report of Police Chou.

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Di Zhiyuan: The police should give details as soon as possible

New Thinking said it is concerned about the arrest of former directors and employees of Stance News.

"The National Security Department should explain to the community as soon as possible the reasons and crimes for the arrest. If there is no clarification, it will inevitably affect concerns about the narrowing of the freedom of the press in Hong Kong. We request the National Security Department of the Police to explain the situation as soon as possible."

The party’s legislative council member-designate Di Zhiyuan said that there is not much information available for the time being, and that the case has undergone judicial proceedings, so he cannot comment on the case.

He said that the incident caused the society to worry about freedom of speech. The police should explain the details as soon as possible and conduct judicial procedures in a fair, just and efficient manner.

When asked whether the offence of sedition should be amended to ensure that the law can protect freedom of speech, Di Zhiyuan said that the law needs to keep pace with the times. Whether the law is unfair depends on individual cases. It is too early to comment on the suitability of the offence.

Fok Qigang, the member-designate for sports, performing arts, culture, and publishing, said that he only learned about the incident from the news this morning. The current information is limited and it is inconvenient to comment, but he emphasized that "you don't worry about it."

He pointed out that Hong Kong is a society under the rule of law. It is believed that all police actions are carried out in accordance with the law. The police have to explain the incident in detail. "I am not worried because the Basic Law protects all freedom of the press and freedom of speech."

The DAB supports: often use the freedom of the press to incite enemies against the police

The DAB issued a statement stating that it fully supports the police force in safeguarding the national security work, believing that the police force enforces the law in accordance with the law, and has a vigilant and deterrent effect on all organizations and individuals who attempt to harm national security.

"Since the implementation of the "Hong Kong National Security Law", the police force has achieved outstanding results in safeguarding national security through professional law enforcement, which deserves full recognition. However, Hong Kong's national security risks have not been completely eliminated. Anti-China chaos in Hong Kong still uses media, culture, art, and publications. In an attempt to continue to promote and instill a sense of subversion against the central government and the SAR government to Hong Kong people, especially young people, by other means."

The DAB criticized by name: "Stance News often abuses the name of freedom of the press, editing and publishing reports that instigate the police, including beautifying the "violent incidents in CUHK," in order to make readers mistakenly believe that the police are targeting students and inciting hatred. Police sentiment; in addition, the media also smeared and demonized the "smart prison" facilities of the Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution, distorting them as "monitoring detainees", ignoring the need for correctional management and ensuring the safety of people in the correctional institution. Therefore, We fully support the police to enforce the law in accordance with the law, unswervingly assume the responsibility of safeguarding national security, and do not allow anti-China chaos in Hong Kong to damage the country and Hong Kong's space."

New Democrat Party member-elect Li Zijing said that this time the police were arrested for sedition, not the "Hong Kong National Security Act." The relevant criminal elements have been set out in the law.

He believes that in the past two years, "Stance News" has several articles that may be related to this arrest. For example, it has reprinted an article from Northern Irish militants reviewing the Hong Kong protest movement, which may have a chance to fall into the French net.

When asked whether it is appropriate to make an arrest for sedition, Li Zijing said that he has confidence in the police and the courts. He believed that the police had consulted the Attorney General beforehand and had sufficient evidence that they would not make an arrest rashly.

Search Position News | Chen Langsheng was searched by the police to seize his passbook, reporter card worried about Zhong Peiquan and Lin Shaotong Search Position News | "Position" once removed comments, stopped receiving sponsorship, and the editor-in-chief successively resigned. "Position News" six high-level reporters were urged Guarantee freedom of the press in accordance with the Basic Law