The National Security Service of the police yesterday (29th) arrested at least 7 current or former directors and senior officials of "Stance News" on suspicion of "conspiracy to publish seditious publications", and successively searched the "Stance" office and frozen 61 million assets.
"Position News" announced the suspension on the same day.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam held a press conference today (30th) to review the work period in 2021. He denied that the law enforcement action was to "rectify" the opposition media, and emphasized that it was not aimed at news organizations, but some illegal acts. Can override the law.
She also pointed out that the trained reporters present have no reason to not distinguish between "incitement" and normal criticism.
Reprimanding "release people" to trample on the rule of law
In response to a question from a reporter from "Hong Kong 01", Lam Cheng pointed out that as always, he would not comment on law enforcement, nor should any official comment, and the case has entered judicial proceedings.
She categorically denied that the relevant law enforcement action was to "rectify" the opposition media, saying that Hong Kong is a society under the rule of law and to maintain the rule of law and social peace. Take action".
She pointed out that every time a similar incident occurred, Western institutions, media, and foreign governments would make a conclusion without understanding Hong Kong laws. She also pointed out that some people asked the SAR government to "release people" irresponsibly. It is said that people themselves trample on the rule of law."
Lam Cheng pointed out that press freedom and the democratic process are clearly guaranteed under the Basic Law, and they cannot be illegal or protected under the name of "press freedom."
She pointed out that these human rights and freedoms are not absolute, and no one can override the law. She asked, "How about a person who claims to be a fourth right person can override the law? Isn't it possible to do something wrong?"
+14
Said that sharp criticism of the government and the chief executive himself are completely fine
A reporter asked separately about the so-called "incitement" and "inciting hatred of the government". The line between news reports is very blurred and how to determine it. One of the arrested persons, Fang Minsheng, was the chief executive of the Council of Social Service, and Lam Cheng was the Social Welfare Department. The director should have contacted the other party to see if the other party would be a person who incites hatred of the government; the State Council’s white paper criticized the British Hong Kong government for high-handed governance and cited the crime of sedition against Ta Kung Pao. Today, the government reuses this law to deal with the "Position". Retake the old road of Hong Kong and Britain.
Lam Cheng did not respond positively, only reiterating that freedom of speech is not absolute.
"I will also respond to a certain arrest incident. People who are arrested or suspected of committing crimes, I have a good opinion of them. I think your question is inappropriate for asking."
Lam Cheng later added that it is impossible to define what is meant by "incitement" here, and emphasized that journalists' views, comments and criticisms, and even attacks on government policies are highly respected. Therefore, he does not think that there has been a "chilling effect" over the past year. "I open the newspaper every day and I have a lot of criticism, especially on me. There are commentators and readers. Today, it seems that a western newspaper has a letter from readers. The criticism is so important to me, and there are no problems."
She pointed out that as a member of Hong Kong, it is not a problem to criticize when seeing the government's policy deficiencies. "This is not the same as the reason for incitement, every journalist who has received professional training." I believe that court cases will be changed in the future. Clear statement.
Lin Zheng pointed out that he hopes that the press will continue to uphold its responsibilities as journalists and continue to objectively report and supervise the work of the executive, legislative and judicial organs.
Government statement: Continue to maintain national security fearlessly and fearlessly
The spokesperson of the SAR government issued a statement after the press conference, stating that the U.S. and Western governments, media, and some organizations made "biased and inaccurate remarks or reports" on the incident.
The government responded that acts and activities that endanger national security are very serious crimes and must be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The police's enforcement actions against "Stance News" were taken strictly in accordance with the law and on the basis of evidence.
"Freedom of speech and press is not absolute. According to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, such freedoms can be restricted for reasons such as national security. We reiterate that no one can override the law."
The government reiterated that the police action this time is a criminal act against the arrested person and has nothing to do with the freedom of the press and the press.
"We deeply regret that the US and Western governments, media, and organizations have tried to distort facts and maliciously denigrate law enforcement actions carried out in accordance with the law. They are grossly interfering in Hong Kong affairs and reflecting their double standards. In the past year, citizens have returned to normal life. National security risks have diminished, and these results are not easy to come by. We will continue to prevent any acts that endanger national security. Any person or organization, regardless of background, will be punished for violation of the law."
The position is suspended︱The British branch is suspended. Remove all reports. The director of the branch resigns. The position is suspended︱Chen Langsheng choked: The fund is the result of the reporter’s work. He is said to be unfair. The position is suspended. Let the public know
