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.
Several established political parties immediately issued statements in support of police operations. Among them, the DAB criticized the "Position" for frequently editing and publishing reports inciting police hatred in the name of freedom of the press.
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 world's narrowed perception of press freedom.
Democratic Party Chairman Law Kin-hee could not understand the police's search and arrest operations. He pointed out that both the Basic Law and the National Security Law clearly stipulated the protection of freedom of the press in Hong Kong. The police arrested the media management for "conspiracy to publish seditious publications." It is important to explain to the public the specific reasons for the arrest, including what the alleged illegal article is, otherwise the press will be at a loss and self-censorship, which will harm the freedom of the press.
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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.
Lin Xinqiang cites the old laws of Hong Kong and Britain: the old laws have nothing to do with the new
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 legislator-designate Lin Xinqiang pointed out that comments depend on the evidence and details of the case. He believes that everyone must have confidence in Hong Kong's law and judicial system. Hong Kong law guarantees freedom of the press. If the arrested person commits a crime, there should be a fair trial.
As for whether it is appropriate to use the sedition crime of the Hong Kong and British era for arrest, Lin Xinqiang said: "The old law has no relationship with the new. It is not outdated and adaptable to the family environment."
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.
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 "Stance News" by name and often abused the name of freedom of the press, editing and publishing reports that instigated the police against the police, including glorifying the "violent incidents in CUHK," in order to make readers mistakenly believe that the police were targeting students, thereby inciting sentiments against the police. .
The Federation of Trade Unions also issued a statement stating that supporting the National Security Agency has laws that must be enforced. “Investigate and dispose of anti-China media in Hong Kong, investigate and investigate violations to the end to ensure social stability and prosperity.” According to Pakatan Harapan Liang Meifen, the arrest was fully in line with the law. In the spirit of the rule of law, Western media should not make rash judgments and lash out against relevant arrests.
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
