This Friday is the anniversary of the return of the "July 1st". The Hong Kong Journalists Association issued a statement last night (28th), saying that the Information Services Department of the Government, on the grounds of security, asked many media organizations that had been invited to interview at least 10 people who had signed up for interviews to be replaced. At least seven media outlets were affected by reporters at the July 1st flag-raising ceremony and the swearing-in ceremony of the new government.
Chen Langsheng, chairman of the Journalists Association, said in a radio interview this morning that the authorities required the replacement journalists to undergo daily nucleic acid testing, and they had to go back to the beginning of last Sunday (26th), resulting in some media organizations unable to meet the requirements and unable to send staff to interview.
He described the requirements as "illogical" and difficult to understand the relevant standards.
The former Secretary for Justice and former Deputy Director of the Basic Law Committee, Leung Oisy, does not believe there is a media blacklist.
Lin Jianfeng, a member of the Executive Council and a member of the Legislative Council of the Pakatan Harapan, believes that the government has established safety standards, and leaders' attendance at the ceremony should be the highest standard. It is normal to have stricter requirements, and does not comment on relevant events.
Fan Xu Litai, a former member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, believes that if the authorities only require other reporters to be dispatched instead of banning reporters, they will not see how press freedom will be affected.
Chen Langsheng said that he had learned from the deputy director of the Information Office last night, and the other party said it was a security reason and could not explain further.
He believes that the media organizations involved this time have a wide range, and it is understood that it also includes reporters from Hong Kong and Taiwan and personnel of the Information Services Department.
Fan Xu Litai criticized the Western media and unfriendly forces for smearing Hong Kong, and believed that people who love Hong Kong should not give them opportunities, but should work together to unite Hong Kong, and do not magnify infinitely because of trivial matters.
The government responded that it has tried to balance media work and security requirements when formulating the arrangements for the celebration of the handover, and does not comment on the certification status of individual organizations and individuals.
Politicians are now staying in hotels for quarantine
Liang Aishi pointed out that she did not know about President Xi Jinping's visit to Hong Kong, but only knew that she had to stay at a hotel in Wanchai this afternoon, preparing to participate in the official activities of the July 1st return.
Lin Jianfeng will also stay at the hotel this afternoon, but he does not know the details of the return celebration.
Regarding the arrival of the Chief Executive of Macau, Ho Iat Seng, to attend the ceremony in Hong Kong, Lin Jianfeng said that the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland is worth remembering. Hong Kong and Macau are "two brothers". Such activities are expressions of mutual respect.
Lin Xiaolu stayed at the hotel one day late: different people or activities
Lam Siu-lu, a member of the Legislative Council of the Election Committee who will be attending the July 1st celebration, revealed that he will only be staying at the hotel tomorrow, which is different from the arrangements of Leung Oisy and Lam Kin-fung.
Lin Xiaolu said that he did not understand the reason, and it is estimated that others may have an extra identity, and there are activities to be attended tomorrow.
Regarding the police's earlier contact with some social activists by the National Security Department to find out whether there was any action on July 1, Lin Xiaolu pointed out that President Xi Jinping has the opportunity to visit Hong Kong, and he must attach great importance to safety. He believes that it is reasonable for the National Security Department to understand beforehand.
Fan Xu Litai does not think it will affect the freedom of Hong Kong. She pointed out that some political groups like to shout slogans and confront the police. On the 25th anniversary of the handover, everyone hopes to spend it quietly and happily.
Lin Xiaolu.
(Photo by Hong Yeming/File photo)
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