The 25th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong government will hold a series of celebrations and the oath ceremony of the new government. The Hong Kong Journalists Association issued a statement this evening (28th), stating that the Information Services Department of the Government requested a number of originally invited media organizations for "security reasons". At least seven reporters who have signed up for interviews will be replaced. At least seven local and foreign media, including Ming Pao, Hong Kong 01, South China Morning Post, now news station and Agence France-Presse, will be affected, and there may even be no reporters present for interviews.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association stated that although the authorities allow relevant media organizations to apply for replacements, they must meet the same quarantine requirements, including daily nucleic acid testing starting the day before yesterday (26th).
The Hong Kong Journalists Association stated that the authorities made an irreversible interview arrangement on such a major event and expressed deep regret. It also said that this move seriously undermined the freedom of the press in Hong Kong and "also cast a stain on this global event."
The Hong Kong Journalists Association issued a statement this evening (28th), stating that the Information Services Department, for "security reasons", asked a number of originally invited media organizations to replace at least ten journalists who had signed up for interviews, and at least seven local and foreign media were affected.
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Today (June 28) evening, we learned that the Information Services Department of the Hong Kong Government requested a number of originally invited media organizations to replace at least ten people who had signed up to cover the 25th anniversary of the return of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to the flag-raising ceremony and the oath-taking ceremony of the new government for "security reasons". reporter.
According to our understanding, the affected media organizations include at least seven major local and foreign news agencies, newspapers, electronic media and online media, including Ming Pao, Hong Kong 01, South China Morning Post, now news station and Agence France-Presse.
As a result, the relevant media may not have reporters present to conduct interviews. This Council expresses great regret that the authorities have made irrevocable interview arrangements on such a major event.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association stated that the Information Services Department requested each invited media organization as early as the 16th of this month to sign up for a maximum of 20 participating journalists and photojournalists or photographers.
The prescription was tightened after that, and the media who responded to the attendance were notified that only one reporter was allowed to cover the inauguration ceremony and one reporter for the flag-raising ceremony. Only those who are negative can attend relevant interview activities, and reporters who cover the inauguration ceremony must stay in quarantine hotels from tomorrow.
It was only today (28th) that the Information Service suddenly notified a number of reporters who had signed up, citing "security reasons" to refuse them to come to the scene for interviews.
The HKJA continued that although the authorities informed affected media organizations that they could apply for a replacement, new applicants must also meet the same quarantine requirements, that is, they must undergo nucleic acid testing every day from the 26th, and must have a negative result. It is difficult for a strong man, and most media organizations have been unable to arrange manpower that meets the requirements, and it will be impossible to send personnel to the scene for interviews.”
The HKJA mentioned that the authorities made temporary and narrow interview arrangements at this important moment, and put forward vague reasons for refusal, which seriously damaged the freedom of the press in Hong Kong, and urged the authorities to arrange remedial measures as soon as possible to protect the right to interview.
The HKJA stated that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and freedom of the press is an important cornerstone of the establishment of one country, two systems.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association has earlier expressed its high concern that at least 10 well-known local online media, foreign media, overseas news agencies and photo news agencies have not been allowed to attend relevant activities, "Today, another invited media organization reporter was asked to be removed and unable to interview, The failure to get media organizations with a considerable readership to report on the moment in Hong Kong's history not only hinders journalists from fulfilling their responsibilities, but also tarnishes such a global event."
The Police announced today the security arrangements for the President's visit to Hong Kong. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Special Duties) (Support) Kwok Ka-chuen mentioned that he understands that the public is concerned about the President's attendance at the event. Official clips will be released, and the police will fully assist the media in interviews based on risk assessment, venue requirements and the premise of not affecting operations, including setting up an interview area in the security zone outside the venue to facilitate media interviews, and the search team will verify relevant persons The police will deploy more than 100 officers from the Police Public Relations Division to coordinate on-site identification and inspection of personal belongings, and will release the latest information on police social platforms when necessary.
Kwok Ka-chuan reiterated that Hong Kong is a free society where freedom of speech and the press are guaranteed, and media reporting work is respected, and facilitation and assistance are provided as far as practicable.
▼5 years ago, in 2017, Xi Jinping went to Hong Kong to attend the 20th anniversary ceremony of the return to China▼
▼On June 28, the police stepped up patrols in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center and the MTR Admiralty Station▼
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▼On June 24, the police "Saber-Toothed Tiger" armored vehicle dispatched for patrol▼
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▼On June 24th, the Pingshi Village Building was covered with national flags and regional flags to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the return on July 1▼
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At least 10 well-known media at home and abroad were not invited to cover the 25th anniversary of the return of China. The Association is deeply concerned about the 25th anniversary of the return The ceremony marks the 25th anniversary of the reunification of drones in Hong Kong with the police setting up a security zone. The government has postponed this year's awards and the list of Justices of the Peace. 25th Anniversary｜Government Announces Forced Inspections Before July 1st
